Jerusalem, August 4
Amid the Middle East crises and harrowing reports of war, Nepalis who have chosen to work in Israel share a different account-one of feeling safe, empowered and emancipated.
Prashanti Lama Shahi Thakuri has been working in Israel for 17 years. After arriving in Israel in 2009, she has returned to Nepal only four times in the last decade-and a-half. According to her, Israel has empowered her and made her feel very safe.
"I feel so safe here," she told The Himalayan Times on the street in Jerusalem. "I can roam freely even in the middle of the night, and no one says anything."
Thakuri, upon recalling the 2014 conflict, stated that the recent war is quite significant. "However, the Israeli government has implemented several security mechanisms to ensure people's safety. If we follow them, there are no threats, and I feel completely safe."
When THT enquired as to whether her work as a caregiver pays well, she said,"It's great for me. I have the same freedom and access to services as Israelis." Respect is the most important aspect of her decision to stay in Israel.
"We frequently hear reports of Nepali women and girls being abused or harassed in Dubai, Qatar, Malaysia and other Gulf countries. However, nothing like that has ever happened in my 17 years of staying here."
However, she emphasised that Israel is surrounded by hostile countries, making conflict inevitable. "Thus, it is important that we adopt safety precautions," she said.
She also stated that the Nepali Embassy in Israel is very supportive and keeps Nepalis in the country updated on any new developments.
Tara Neupane, who previously worked in Nepal as a teacher, has been living in Jerusalem, for the past year and-a-half. Sharing her experience with THT, she emphasised Israel is very safe. Neupane, who has taken up caregiving profession in Israel, said that working here has provided her with enormous economic opportunities.
When asked how she feels, particularly in light of the most recent war, she replied, "I feel very safe, as there is a security mechanism in place to protect us."
She further told THT, "Israeli people, they do not even go inside the bunker, as it has become very normal for them. Just half-an-hour ago, we received information about rocket attacks and other similar situations. Nevertheless, I believe it is quite safe to work inside homes, nursing homes and hospitals. However, working outside is a bit risky."
