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'An Israeli family is taking care of me': Soma Ravi, caregiver, Tiberias

I thought Hamas would not target foreigners, but I was wrong, he says

I CAME FROM Nizamabad district in Telangana to work as a caregiver in Israel 18 years ago. I have been living with an Israeli family for the past 16 years, taking care of their son who is physically challenged. They treat me like family, taking care of my needs. I have been earning well and supporting my family in Telangana where my wife and two daughters are living. Recently, my daughters have gone to the United States to study computer science and this was possible only because of my job. I earn nearly 6,500 shekels per month (Rs1.4 lakh). I hardly have any expenses here and send most of the money back home.

When I came here for work, we were aware of the risks, but everyone knew that Israel’s robust security apparatus could take care of it. Over the years, I have seen rockets being fired from Gaza and the Iron Dome taking them down. Even caregivers who live near the border have been safe all along. We are all so attuned to the security drill when the sirens go off. But this is an unprecedented situation in Israel’s history where terrorists have entered cities with weapons, butchering hundreds of civilians. There are also thousands of rockets being fired. I thought terror groups like Hamas would not target foreigners, but I was wrong as several were killed and taken hostage. The family I am living with is taking good care of me. But we are worried about those who have been kidnapped.