HYDERABAD: Missiles streaking across the sky and constant alerts have turned the life of thousands of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh workers in Israel-like Gattu Naveen and Elle Prasad-into constant sprints to bunkers . Members of Israel Telangana Association said about 7,000 people from the two Telugu states live in Israel – roughly 2,000 from Telangana and the rest from AP. Many hail from Nizamabad, Rajanna Sircilla and Jagtial districts and work as caregivers and builders, earning 5,000-6,000 shekels a month (between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 1.35 lakh). Under a 2022 bilateral framework, more than 20,000 Indians are employed in construction, including 6,700 who arrived in 2025 to plug labour gaps after the Gaza war. Another 18,000-20,000 work as caregivers as Israel’s elderly population grows. Telangana natives cluster in Ramat Gan and neighborhoods around the capital of Tel Aviv, with a smaller group in Ashkelon.Former ITA president Soma Ravi, a Nizamabad native who has lived in Ramat Gan for a decade, described the weekend as unusually tense. A missile landed a couple of kilometres from his home Saturday evening.“Earlier escalations were from groups like Hezbollah and Hamas. This time a powerful country is launching ballistic missiles, so people are more worried and extra careful,” he said. Ravi was due to fly to the US on Tuesday for his daughter’s March 15 wedding but is stuck after airspace closures.Daily routines have tightened. Supermarkets and pharmacies remain open. Offices, schools and malls are shut. Outdoor gatherings are capped at 30 people, while most bunkers hold 50-60.Gattu Naveen from Nizamabad has lived in Petah Tikva for six years. “As soon as a missile is launched, the siren goes off and we are asked to move to bunkers immediately. Separate local alarms also ring. For families with children, the elderly and pregnant women, repeatedly moving back and forth can be challenging,” he said.Elle Prasad, from Rajanna Sircilla and based in Ashkelon for 18 years, said residents expected tensions but not such speed. “Vehicle movement is limited and people step out only for essential work,” he said. Indian embassy has urged vigilance and caution.
