Monday, October 9, 2023
When word of the Hamas attack on Israel came, Israeli tourists were spending the seven-day Sukkot festival at the Bed Chabad in Rajasthan’s Pushkar. In reaction to the news, 150 Israelis in the vacation town left for Delhi.
Many Israelis, who are well-trained and experienced in dealing with such circumstances, were ready to return home.Military duty is necessary for Israeli residents over the age of 18, and many are ready to fulfill their obligations during these difficult times, Times of India reported.
Security was increased at the Bed Chabad of Israelis, a Jewish community center in Pushkar, and the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) undertook precautionary checks. The Chabad rabi led special prayers for those killed in the incident.
“No one slept when they came to know about the terrorist attack. We have friends, families, relatives who are either dead or wounded,” Times of India quoted Yuval Barbi, a singer and tourist, as saying on Sunday.
Barbi emphasized that the attack was not only a war but an act of hatred against mankind, citing the personal toll it has had on Israelis.
A similar level of concern was expressed by a number of Israeli tourists who visited Himachal Pradesh, which is well-known for attracting Israeli tourists.
Due to the current violence in Israel, more than 50 Israelis who were vacationing in the Parvati valley of Kullu district have opted to cut their visits short. The Israelis, who had been living in various villages, have canceled their trip plans in India and are waiting for flights to Israel to resume. Flights to and from Tel Aviv have been stopped by many carriers, including Air India.
Although the actual number of Israelis in the hilly region is unknown, many tourists usually leave by the end of September. Over the last three months, more than 1,000 Israelis visited the Kullu area, according to Manali DSP KD Sharma. A few Israelis remain in Dharamkot hamlet, near Dharamshala, another popular Himachal vacation.
The news of the incident has had a profound impact on Israeli tourists, who generally contribute life to the region. Many others were hooked to their phones, watching footage provided by family members.
“It hurts a lot. All my three brothers are in the military, and one is with us in India. He is dying to get back to help the country. We are small country and a close community,” said Yiska, a graphic designer, in Pushkar to the Times of India.
Despite the sombre mood, they are determined to go back to Israel as soon as flights resume.
Tags: India, Israeli tourists
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