Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Oct 6: Natives of the coastal Karnataka region working in Israel, who were initially panicked by the missile attacks during the New Year celebrations in Israel, are now breathing a sigh of relief as the situation has calmed.

Around 10,000 people from the coastal districts are employed in Israel as home nurses, caretakers, and in other jobs. While Hamas attacks on Israel are common, residents from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi often rush to bunkers when government sirens go off. With the four-day New Year celebrations now over, people have returned to work. However, the large-scale missile attacks by Iran have caused widespread concern.

A woman from B C Road, living in Ra’anana, Israel, said, "We were frightened during the massive air raid by Iran, but things have now returned to normal."

A man originally from Mangaluru added that while the situation is stable for now, concerns about the future remain. Disruptions in flight services following the air raids have prevented many from returning to India.

Forty-five pilgrims from Mangaluru and Bengaluru are currently in Israel, visiting holy sites. All of them are reported to be safe. Of the group, 14 belong to Kulshekhar parish in Mangaluru. They are expected to return to Mangaluru next week.

Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner Mullai Muhilan said, "We currently do not have updated information about natives from Dakshina Kannada in Israel. Last year, we gathered some information about families with relatives in Israel during the Hamas-Israel conflict, but we do not have a complete count."