Israeli Embassy Denounces Racist Assault on Indian Nationals in Ashkelon
The Israeli Embassy in India issued a strong condemnation on Thursday, labeling a violent attack on two Indian workers in the city of Ashkelon as "absolutely unacceptable." In a post on social media platform X, the embassy confirmed that the Israeli police have apprehended the perpetrators and pledged to bring them to justice, underscoring the seriousness with which authorities are treating the incident.
Details of the Targeted Racist Attack
According to reports from the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation (KAN), the assault was a premeditated, racially motivated attack carried out in a public park. A group of youths allegedly planned the ambush through private social media chats, targeting the Indian workers specifically. A video released by KAN on YouTube depicts at least two men being beaten violently, with Hebrew captions describing the assault as "driven by racism and malice," highlighting the hateful nature of the crime.
Social Media and Political Reactions
The attack has sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many users praising Israel's swift response. One user tweeted, "The strength of the India-Israel bond lies in mutual respect. Attacks on Indian nationals are unacceptable. Appreciate the Israeli police's quick response," while another expressed gratitude for the seriousness shown in handling the matter. In the political arena, Congress leader Pawan Khera condemned the incident, calling it a "premeditated racist attack" and urging External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to immediately verify the victims' condition and ensure they receive adequate, free-of-cost medical care. Khera emphasized the need for diplomatic follow-up, noting, "This is not the first such attack. And sadly, it may not be the last."
Arrests and Background Context
The attackers, identified as two 19-year-olds, have been arrested by Israeli police, though details regarding the victims' medical conditions remain undisclosed. This incident occurs against the backdrop of increased Indian worker presence in Ashkelon, a city in southern Israel near the Gaza Strip. Following Israel's suspension of work permits for thousands of Palestinian labourers after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, recruitment drives in India were launched to address labour shortages, particularly in construction and hospitality sectors, leading to a rise in Indian nationals in the area.
Timing Ahead of High-Level Diplomatic Visit
The attack comes just ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled two-day visit to Israel, starting February 25. During this visit, bilateral cooperation, regional developments, and labour mobility are expected to be key discussion points, potentially bringing additional attention to the safety and welfare of Indian workers abroad. This incident underscores ongoing challenges in international labour relations and the importance of robust diplomatic efforts to protect citizens overseas.
