For many Nepali workers who had never even seen a gun, the initial days in Israel were extremely terrifying. Even a small explosion would make them cry, thinking of their families. Now, they have become accustomed to bombs, guns, explosives, bunkers, grenades, and missiles. Having conquered fear, they work with confidence, earning both money and reputation. The money sent from the war zone to Nepal also changes the lifestyle of their families. This trend has further increased.
Another 1,454 youths are going to Israel in a few days. Why do Nepali youths want to go to Israel even amidst bombs, guns, and bunkers? How do they work in Israel? Read on.
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Kathmandu. Remember that horrific moment of October 7, 2023 (Ashoj 20, 2080), the day Hamas attacked Israel, killing 11 Nepalis. Ten were killed collectively in a kibbutz near the always-unstable Gaza Strip, and another, Bipin Joshi, was abducted and killed.
They had reached there under the ‘Learn and Earn’ program for agricultural studies and training. While engaged in the daily routine of milking cows on a modern dairy farm, they were entering bunkers to escape the Hamas attack. But they were killed by the attackers’ grenades inside the bunker.
Many of their belongings remain at the place where they were killed and abducted. The dining table where they used to eat is still there. The building from which Bipin was abducted is in ruins. Bipin’s picture hangs alongside the Nepali flag on the wall of the ruined building.
It has been three years since that chilling incident. Incidents of conflict and violence have not stopped. The animosity between Hamas and Israel has not ended. In Israel, which is in the direct vortex of the Iran-US war and is occasionally involved, no one can predict what will happen when.
A major question: Did Nepalis stop going to Israel even amidst the collective murder of Nepali students and the subsequent series of violent incidents? The answer is surprising. The number of Nepalis going there has not decreased; rather, it has increased. The number of those wishing to go to Israel is overwhelming. Even those already working there are eager to extend their stay.
Why? There are a few main reasons. One: extremely attractive salary. Two: the affectionate and humane service provided by Nepalis compared to people from other countries. Three: Nepalis are considered the best by Israelis. Four: high-level defense system, among others.
This was observed during an on-site visit to the capital, major cities, and conflict-affected borders of Israel. Despite uncertain conflict and tension, Nepalis are working diligently, overcoming fear, and winning the hearts of Israelis.
Nepali: Witnesses of Major Wars
For many Nepali workers who had never even seen a gun in Nepal, the initial days in Israel were extremely difficult and terrifying, making their hearts pound. Even a small explosion would make them cry, thinking of their families. Now, they have become accustomed to bombs, guns, explosives, bunkers, grenades, and missiles. Overcoming fear, they work with confidence, earning both substantial money and reputation. The money sent from the war zone to Nepal also changes the lifestyle of their families.
After the formal agreement between the two countries, on average, two thousand three hundred Nepalis officially go to Israel every year. The Nepalis who went in the first phase officially experienced and witnessed two major wars and were active in rescuing those affected.
The first was the terrifying period from June 13, 2025, to June 23, 2025. A large number of casualties occurred during the 12-day war between Israel and Iran. A ceasefire was declared on June 24.
The last major war took place from February 28, 2026, to April 8, 2026. This period is known as the extensive war between America-Israel and Iran. It lasted for 40 days. On April 8, a two-week ceasefire was announced between America, Israel, and Iran.
Nepali workers were also witnesses to both these major wars. In such wars, instead of fleeing to safe shelters, they regularly worked and, disregarding their own lives, treated and cared for the civilians affected by the war.
Since then, major and minor conflicts have recurred, but even amidst the vortex of uncertain conflict, Nepalis are working with courage.
- What is the defense system like? How safe are Nepalis?
There is still fear in the border areas of Israel. The latest technologies, such as the use of drones in war, signal uncertainty even in inner cities and villages. However, the Nepali workers working here do not feel insecure.
According to their claims, the security and defense system here is very strong. If there is an external attack or a missile is coming, they receive a notification on their mobile phones beforehand. They know which area a missile is approaching. There are security shelters in every department. Upon hearing the siren, one can reach a shelter within 30 seconds.
Bunu Khadka, a Nepali working in Tel Aviv, says, ‘It’s not that scary here. Women are safer than elsewhere.’
Some analysts view this desire and enthusiasm to work amidst tension as a reflection of the lack of employment opportunities in Nepal and the compulsion to work under risky conditions.
Saroj Shrestha, another Nepali who claims there are ample security arrangements, says, ‘We thought the new government would bring some changes, and people like us wouldn’t have to go abroad to suffer. But…’
In fact, the construction of modern security shelters in Israel began long ago, and tunnels and bunkers also existed. They still exist.
It is claimed that there is an adequate arrangement of security shelters, bunkers, and tunnels at workplaces for the safety of workers. Similarly, such structures are almost mandatory in essential areas like hotels and hospitals.
In public places, parks, tourist spots, etc., young men and women in various colored military uniforms are seen deployed and practicing. Sources claim they are trained and practicing by the government for defense at any time.
- Why the attraction? What are the areas of attraction? How many Nepalis are there?
The demand for Nepali workers in Israel is increasing. The most sought-after and in-demand sectors recently are agriculture and ‘caregiver’. These two sectors are becoming centers of attraction for Nepalis. Annually, more than three hundred people go into agriculture and an average of over two thousand into caregiving through government channels.
Caregiver: The number of Nepalis coming here for service-oriented jobs such as caring for the elderly and children, providing services, and medical care has increased. The attraction of Nepalis here has grown due to attractive salaries, benefits, and being the choice of Israelis. Due to their honest care and service, elderly Israelis are becoming increasingly satisfied with Nepalis, and their health is improving, and their lifespan is increasing.
Since the Government-to-Government program was implemented, nearly 3,400 Nepalis have gone to Israel as caregivers through government channels alone since 2021. However, before that, even without legal procedures, a large number of people went to Israel via India to perform such work. Although it is said that more than 40,000 Nepalis have worked in Israel so far, there is no official data.
Nepali Bunu Khadka and Saroj Shrestha serving them.
Earlier, 2,300 Nepalis had applied for ‘Caregiver’, of whom 836 were successful. The Israeli Embassy in Nepal has stated that the selection process for more Nepali workers going to Israel will begin in a few days.
The Department of Foreign Employment has already called for applications for this. According to the labor agreement between the governments of Nepal and Israel, the department has called for applications for one thousand 454 people. Among them, one thousand 122 are women and 332 are men being selected.
Nepal has been sending youths to Israel according to the agreement between the two countries on October 14, 2020 (Ashoj 14, 2077).
Interest in going to provide such services in private homes is also increasing, but the process for permission is still pending.
Agriculture: Israel, with most of its land devoid of soil, water, and forests, has made remarkable progress in agriculture. Agriculture and fruit cultivation using advanced technology on sand and rocky hills have not only made Israelis self-sufficient but also exporters.
For agricultural revolution, the Israeli international development cooperation agency called ‘Mashav’ is in operation. Through this agency, 350,000 citizens from 140 countries have received training. More than 3,500 Nepalis have received training under this.
According to Tamar Yarden, head of the internship program in agricultural administration under the Israeli international development cooperation agency, the number of Nepalis coming to Israel for special training annually through government and non-governmental sectors has been increasing. Israeli experts also conduct various training and programs in Nepal.
Nepalis are attracted to technologies such as drip irrigation, greenhouse technology, improved seed technology, and AI-based crop management here. There are many examples of Nepalis who participated in training on such technologies and returned to Nepal to engage in modern agricultural practices.
Although the conditions in Nepal and Israel for agriculture are different, ‘Mashav’ and the Israeli Embassy in Nepal have been providing support in terms of seeds, technology, and equipment to the youths who return to Nepal after training.
The ‘Learn and Earn’ program is the result of a joint initiative between the Israeli Embassy and Small Farmers Development Bank Limited. Implemented since 2021, this program selects participants from small farmer families in 68 districts and brings Nepalis to Israel annually.
Nepalis are attracted to training programs and packages of one day, five days, and 11 months due to the attractive benefits.
‘Nepalis are the World’s Best, Kindest, and Most Professional’
Citizens from many countries around the world work as caregivers in Israel, and Nepalis are demonstrating the best performance among them. Nepalis have been found to be the most professional, kind, and excellent for Israelis.
Flor Hassan-Nakhum, Israel’s Special Envoy for Trade and Innovation and former Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem, openly praises the honesty of Nepalis. Talking to Ratopati, she said, ‘Nepalis are the world’s best, kindest, and most professional.’
She stated that due to Nepalis, the elderly in Israel are receiving good care and service.
Why do they want to extend their stay?
Nepali workers working as caregivers want to extend their stay in Israel. Nepalis selected and brought under the ‘Government to Government’ program are allowed to stay for five years. However, they argue that since Israelis like them very much and are satisfied, the limit on their stay should not be imposed.
For this, they have launched a pressure campaign. They have collected signatures and submitted them to the Nepali Embassy.
Jeevan Kumar Sunuwar from Ramechhap, a caregiver working at the Radi One Two Zero Nursing Care Center in the Rimonli zone of Tel Aviv, says, ‘Israelis tell us to stay, they like us, but our government doesn’t allow us to stay, doesn’t accept it.’
Sunuwar has been in Israel for four years. According to the current rules, he has to leave Israel after one year. He says, ‘We worked during COVID, we were involved in rescue operations during the Iran war, and we are working in the service and care of Israelis. Israelis like us a lot. They also give us good remuneration. When they ask us to stay, why should we return?’
(Returned from Israel)