Around 6,000 to 7,000 Nepali workers live in Israel, most of them here for foreign employment. For over a month now, the conflict involving the USA, Israel, and Iran has continued, with no clear sign of stopping. Sirens can go off at any time. For many, that uncertainty is the hardest part. Workers in agriculture seem more affected, maybe because of where they work and how exposed they feel.

News of the joint strikes by the U.S. and Israel on Iran has reached families back in Nepal. That’s expected. But the constant calls and questions from home—“Are you safe?” “What is happening there?”—have added another layer of stress. It builds up slowly, and people feel it.

When rockets pass overhead and sirens sound, many report fear, a racing heart, and anxiety. These reactions are more common among new arrivals. Those who have been here longer have seen similar situations before. They tend to stay calmer. They trust the safety guidelines from the Home Front Command and believe they can manage the risk. Still, for newcomers, it’s not so simple. Some panic. Some freeze. It shows.

While no Nepali casualties have been reported in Israel, a recent Iranian missile strike killed a Thai agricultural worker. That incident has shaken many, especially those working on farms.

Mental Awareness Webinar

The Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA), National Coordination Council Israel, organized a virtual awareness program on mental health for the Nepali community on Saturday, 4 April. The conflict, ongoing since February 28, has now stretched for weeks and seems to be getting worse, not better. That uncertainty has raised concern among workers here.

A few days earlier, the Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA), along with the Center for International Migration and Integration (CIMI) and the Home Front Command, held an online webinar for foreign workers, including Nepalis. They shared safety instructions and practical steps to follow during rocket attacks. The message was clear: follow protocol, stay alert, and reduce risk as much as possible.

In this kind of situation, people need to stay careful and put personal safety first. Community support also matters. Sharing information, staying connected, and avoiding careless behavior can help reduce danger.

With mental stress on the rise, another mental awareness session was held via Zoom with a specialist psychiatrist as the keynote speaker. Nepali caregivers and agricultural workers took part. Dr. Purushottam Adhikari, a consultant psychiatrist, spoke about anxiety, panic attacks, and how to stay mentally steady. He advised people to stay connected with friends and the wider community. Simple steps, really—but they matter.

He suggested basic techniques to manage stress. Slow breathing, for one: take a deep breath, hold it for a moment, then let it out slowly. It sounds small, but it helps calm the body. Grounding exercises—like focusing on what you can see or touch around you—can bring the mind back to the present. Limiting exposure to negative news is also important. Too much of it makes things worse, honestly. Keeping a routine, doing light exercise, and talking to someone you trust—all of these help. Writing down your thoughts can ease the mental load. Sleep, too, is key. And if anxiety or insomnia gets worse, seeking professional help is not a weakness; it’s a sensible step.

Speakers at the webinar included Om Kumar Bhandari, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Nepali Embassy in Israel, NRNA Israel President Ganesh Giri, ICC member Ali Miya, former officials Shrikrishna Bhandari, Vishal Gyawali, Rekha Sharma, and other guests shared their respective views. The program was co-ordinated by Dilip Sundas and hosted by NRNA Israel spokesperson Rajan Duwadi.

DCM Bhandari noted that within a few months of his arrival in Israel, two Nepali nationals had died by suicide. He urged the community not to ignore mental health issues. He said the embassy is ready to support Nepalis facing any kind of problem. That reassurance, even if simple, carries weight.

NRN Israel President Ganesh Giri, ICC member Ali Miya, former officials Shrikrishna Bhandari, Vishal Gyawali, Rekha Sharma, and other guests shared their respective views. The program was coordinated by Dilip Sundas and hosted by NRN Israel spokesperson Rajan Duwadi.

A Region Under Pressure

It’s not just Israel. Nepalis in Gulf countries and other conflict-affected areas have also reported anxiety, fear, and trouble sleeping. Workers in the UAE, Dubai, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait have filed complaints with Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, saying the ongoing attacks have affected them mentally. Some feel unsafe. Some have asked for rescue support from the government and Nepali missions abroad. But evacuation, at this stage, does not look easy.

In response, Nepal’s government has set up an emergency action room at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A dedicated response team is handling calls, messages, and emails around the clock. They listen, they respond, and in some cases, they offer counseling. Nepali missions abroad are also working to address specific issues.

According to the response team, even a simple phone conversation can bring relief. Many workers just need someone to listen. The war has triggered real psychological strain among Nepalis in the region. And sometimes, just a few words of reassurance can make a difference.

For now, the message is steady and clear: stay calm, follow Home Front Command guidelines, and try to stay mentally strong.

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)