Indian Couple's Harrowing Ordeal In Israeli Shelter Amid Conflict

Amidst harrowing conflict between Israeli forces and Hamas militants, a family from Meerut's Shailda village in India finds themselves entangled in a desperate plea for assistance.

Omveer Randhawa, a dedicated farmer in his late 70s, has watched his son Mohit, along with his pregnant daughter-in-law Jaideep Kaur and granddaughter Keerat, become stranded in Israel.

Mohit, an academic who completed his PhD at IIT-Roorkee, ventured to Israel in pursuit of post-doctoral studies, a dream that brought his family together. Now, they are enduring sleepless nights, haunted by the relentless reports of civilian casualties.

The Shrieking Wake-Up Call

The morning of October 7th will forever be etched in the memory of this young couple. As dawn approached, the tranquillity was shattered by the ear-piercing shriek of sirens. Mohit Randhawa tells Times of India via FaceTime, "The shrieking sound jolted us out of slumber."

In mere moments, their peaceful existence was upended, and their lives took an unexpected turn.

The shelter they sought refuge in was a formidable structure, constructed of heavy concrete, standing as a bastion against the bombs and rockets that rained down upon them. Within its fortified walls, Mohit and Jaideep found safety, along with 48 others who shared this sanctuary.

Dreams Deferred

Amid the turmoil, Jaideep's dreams of boarding a flight to India for the delivery of her baby were put on hold. She was scheduled to return to her parents' home in UP's Amroha on October 12. However, the sudden and unrelenting attacks had other plans in store. Jaideep shares her thoughts on the matter, "But the attack jeopardised all our plans. Let's see what happens."

Locked within the concrete walls of their shelter, their connection to the outside world remained tenuous. However, within their cocoon of safety, they were fortunate to have Wi-Fi access, which allowed them to witness the harrowing events unfolding around them. Jaideep's husband, Mohit, mindful of her fragile state during pregnancy, took charge of the situation. He shielded her from the distressing news and videos, limiting her exposure to calming web series.

Jaideep shares her fervent hope, "We pray everything becomes normal and we get to meet our family in India soon. We cannot talk to them on the phone or WhatsApp, FaceTime is the only option available as of now."

Assurance from the Government

Amidst the chaos, the Indian government stands as a reassuring presence. Government sources have confirmed that all Indian nationals in Israel are "safe" and are in constant contact with the Indian mission. The Indian embassies in Israel and Palestine have issued warnings to Indian citizens, urging them to stay alert and to reach out if they need assistance.

A Nation in Distress

Israel, a land with a diverse population, holds a special place for Indians. Around 85,000 Jews of Indian origin call Israel their home, reflecting the enduring connection between the two nations. In recent years, the influx of Jewish people from Mizoram and Manipur has further strengthened this bond. The conflict in South Israel has taken a heavy toll on both sides.

More than 600 people, including soldiers, have lost their lives, and 2,000 others have been injured in Israel following a surprise and unprecedented multifront attack by the Hamas militant group. This attack, characterised by a coordinated assault from air, land, and sea, targeted the southern parts of Israel with a ferocity that has left a lasting impact. In the Gaza Strip, the toll is equally grim, with more than 300 casualties and around 1,500 wounded in Israel's counterattack.

This is not just Mohit, Jaideep, and Keerat's story; it is the story of every individual affected by the Israel-Hamas conflict. It is a call to humanity, an appeal for empathy, and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Suggested reading: Operation Ajay: First Batch Of Indians To Fly Out Of Israel On October 12