Bengal Scholar’s Foreign Dream Turns Nightmare Amid Crisis in Israel
What began as a promising academic journey has turned into a harrowing experience for a scholar from Bengal pursuing higher studies in Israel. As conflict intensifies in the region, the student, who had arrived with hopes of building a global career, now finds himself racing to bunkers during missile sirens and rationing food due to supply shortages.
The scholar, enrolled in a prestigious Israeli university, shared how life has drastically changed over the past few weeks. “We hear sirens almost daily. Running to the bunkers has become a routine. Grocery stores are mostly empty, and we have to manage with very little,” he said, describing the dire situation.
The ongoing conflict has disrupted not just academic schedules but also mental peace. Online classes have replaced in-person learning, while campus life has come to a standstill. The student community, especially international scholars like him, are feeling isolated and vulnerable amid the escalating violence.
Despite reaching out to the Indian embassy and local authorities, students say that evacuation or relocation support has been limited. Many are choosing to stay indoors, relying on emergency food supplies and digital communication to stay connected with families back home.
“I came here to study and grow, but now survival is the only goal,” the scholar added. His account reflects the uncertainty and fear many Indian students are experiencing in conflict-hit zones across the world.
A stash of groceries for two weeks, eyes constantly glued to a missile alert app, and frantic dashes to a bunker several times a day — life has turned into a daily survival drill for a researcher from West Bengal, currently living in Haifa, Israel.
What was supposed to be a long-awaited and promising academic journey abroad has now become a harrowing ordeal, as tensions between Iran and Israel escalate.
The scholar from Murshidabad, in his early thirties, arrived in Israel over a year ago to pursue research. “Life was completely normal until Thursday night,” he told The Indian Express over the phone from Haifa, requesting anonymity. “I was asleep when I suddenly heard a siren. There was no prior information, no warning. At first, I thought it was a malfunction. But by Friday, an emergency was declared, and I knew it was serious.”
FAQ
Q1. Why did the Bengal scholar go to Israel?
The scholar traveled to Israel to pursue higher education at a reputed university, hoping to gain international exposure and advance his academic career.
Q2. What challenges is the scholar currently facing in Israel?
Due to the ongoing conflict, the scholar is dealing with frequent missile sirens, taking shelter in bunkers, rationing food, and living in a constant state of fear and uncertainty.
Q3. Are Indian students in Israel receiving any help?
Students have reached out to the Indian embassy for support. While there has been some guidance, many say evacuation options are limited, and they are largely relying on their institutions and personal resources.
Q4. How has the conflict affected education in Israel?
Most universities have suspended on-campus activities and moved to online learning. Academic schedules and research work have been disrupted.
Q5. Is the scholar planning to return to India?
There is no confirmed decision yet. The scholar and many others are assessing the situation daily, hoping for improved conditions or assistance from the authorities.
Publish on june 17,2025 by :selvi
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