TV
A group of Odisha students studying in Israel has safely returned to India amid the ongoing conflict in the region. After facing days of anxiety and living under the constant threat of rocket attacks and air raid sirens, the students landed in New Delhi on Tuesday and shared their terrifying experiences from the war zone.
The students, who were enrolled in various Israeli universities and research institutions, were evacuated as part of the Indian government’s emergency repatriation efforts. Upon arrival, many of them expressed relief, but also recounted the psychological trauma of being in a war-torn environment.
“When we were on board the flight yesterday from Jordan and Kuwait, we saw missiles coming from the Iranian side and interceptors. Israel is really safe, as there are bunkers. We initially thought it was some sort of light, then realised it was a missile,” said an Odia student studying at Tel Aviv University.
On Sunday, a missile landed near the university. No major damage was caused, she added.
Living Through Air Raid Sirens and Bomb Shelters
“Sirens would go off at odd hours, and we had to rush to bunkers within seconds,” said one Odia student. She described how students had to abandon classes and research labs, living in uncertainty and fear. However, everything was safe as there were bunkers,” said another student doing her PhD.
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Another student from Bhubaneswar said, “My hometown is in Jajpur, and it was for the last one and a half years that I was studying in Israel. The Indian Embassy was in direct contact with us right from the day when the war started. When Operation Sindhu started, we started our registration process. Every arrangement was made by the Indian government via different routes. We spoke to students of other countries; they were in despair as their concerned governments had told them to come on their own.”
Community Support and Rescue Efforts
The students appreciated the support provided by the Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv, which regularly updated them on safety protocols and coordinated evacuation.
“Our Odia community abroad stayed connected through WhatsApp groups. We made sure no one was left behind. Every two to three hours, we had to rush into bunkers,” said a student leader from the group.
Another Odia student conducting research on Iron Dome said, “We were sleeping when sirens blew regarding an incoming missile on day one. After 10 minutes, we got information about the attack and the closure of the airspace. The defence system of Israel is strong enough. Out of 500 missiles fired, only 30 to 40 percent hit.”
The student further said that out of 1000 drone attacks, only one had hit while others were intercepted successfully.
Homecoming and Gratitude
After reaching New Delhi, the students were welcomed by their families and Odisha representatives in the capital. Many plan to return to their studies once the situation improves, but for now, they are just happy to be home.
“Our diplomats are experts, and they initiated every measure to ensure our safe return. After the US attack, the war escalated. First two days of the war, we took it casually due to the defence system there. Out of the 25 students from Odisha, 14 have returned. As a ceasefire has been announced, they refused to come as Israel is quite safe. They are following the necessary guidelines. When the Indian government announced to bring back its citizens, the Odisha government was the first state to make arrangements to bring us home,” the student from Puri.
Bani Prasad, another student, said, “I have been in Israel for the last three years. The missile attack created panic. But due to efforts of Indian and Israel governments, we have returned safely. Though I was safe, my family at home was worried. They will breathe a sigh of relief after I will meet them. Israel-India relationship is very good and personally I feel safe there. I will go back and complete by PhD.”
Odisha Government Monitoring the Situation
The Odisha government has also taken note of the situation and is reportedly in touch with the Ministry of External Affairs to ensure the continued safety of Odia students and professionals still residing in Israel.
As these young students begin their journey back to normalcy, their accounts offer a chilling reminder of the human cost of war, and the resilience it takes to survive it.
