Thousands of Indian workers in Haryana recently attended a recruitment drive for jobs in Israel.
They underwent skill tests, hoping to secure positions in various trades such as carpentry, iron bending, and masonry.
Many were motivated by the higher wages offered in Israel, despite the risks involved due to the ongoing conflict in the region.
One participant, Gaurav Seni, a 27-year-old high school graduate, traveled seven hours by train for the chance.
He saw this opportunity as a means to clear his significant debt of 500,000 rupees (about $6,000).
With the promised salary of 137,000 rupees per month in Israel, he hoped to quickly improve his family’s financial situation.
This recruitment is part of an agreement between Israel and India aimed at addressing labor shortages in Israel, especially in construction and farming.
Controversial Labor Initiative
Initially, 10,000 workers from India were due to be hired.
The Israeli offensive in Gaza, now in its fourth month, has intensified the need for labor, with plans to bring in about 70,000 foreign workers from various countries.
However, the program has sparked controversy. Critics have raised concerns about the ethics of sending workers to a conflict zone and the displacement of Palestinian laborers.
Around 90,000 Palestinians were employed in Israel’s construction sector before the conflict, but many lost their jobs due to the tension.
Despite these concerns, the Indian government supports the initiative, emphasizing robust labor laws in Israel that protect workers’ rights.
They ensured the safety of Indian workers abroad through Operation Ajay, a repatriation effort launched during the conflict.
Unemployment rates in India, especially among the youth, have driven many to seek opportunities abroad.
The overall unemployment rate in India stood at 8.65% in December, with a higher rate of 44% among those aged 20–24.
Vivek Sharma, a 28-year-old mason, is drawn to Israel’s higher earnings compared to limited prospects at home.