Life of an Indian Caregiver in Israel

I connect with Yogita Chhetri, an Indian caregiver living in Israel over a video call, eager to hear her story. Suddenly, a siren wails in the distance, followed by a heavy boom—likely the Iron Dome intercepting an Iranian missile overhead. Calmly, Yogita moves to the safe room, guiding her 88-year-old care-recipient, continuing our conversation post-siren, as if it were any other day. Even amid conflict, life goes on in Israel.

As someone committed to demystifying Israel, I want to share another perspective today. Through the eyes of an Indian worker, we witness a side of Israel rarely seen in headlines: a country that is resilient, caring, and deeply human.

Yogita, originally from Kalimpong, a scenic town nestled in the Himalayan foothills of West Bengal, India, moved to Israel in late November 2023. She arrived weeks after the Hamas-led massacre of Israeli civilians of October 7th. Despite the danger, she chose to come to Israel to work as a caregiver. “Everyone wanted me not to go because of the war,” she recalls. “But I decided to come. You can face danger anywhere—even outside your home. When my time is up, it’ll be up.” Her courage reflects the mindset of someone committed to caring for others, even in uncertainty.

The Perception of Israel: Before and After

Before moving to Israel, Yogita worked extensively in healthcare and with NGOs in Delhi, supporting vulnerable populations and elderly patients who needed financial or medical assistance. She had also spent months training in Delhi, learning medical practices, caregiving duties, and basic Hebrew, preparing herself for the responsibilities that awaited her. Relatives who had lived in Israel encouraged her to take the opportunity, sharing their experiences of the people and culture.

Her first weeks in Israel surprised her. “Many people back home think Israelis........

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