Between Duty and Devotion: The Story of Indian Caregivers in Israel
On a Sunday afternoon, bus route number 58 from Daliyat El Carmel to Haifa Hashmona (Center) is filled with Indian caregivers making their weekly journey to attend Holy Mass at the Stella Maris Monastery Church in Haifa. This ritual provides more than just spiritual solace; it serves as a rare opportunity for these caregivers to reconnect with colleagues scattered across the city. They exchange stories of their week—funny incidents, updates on their patients’ health, and the emotional weight of their work.
As a practicing Catholic, I have had the privilege of interacting with many of these caregivers. My inspiration for this piece stems from these encounters and the academic work of Prof. Dr. Claudia Liebelt, whose book Caring for the Holy Land: Filipino Domestic Workers in Israel offers insights into a parallel migrant caregiving community. While much has been documented about the migration of Indian Jews to Israel since the early 1950s, the stories of Indian caregivers and agricultural workers, who have been arriving in Israel for the past 25 years, remain largely unexplored.
The Growing Indian Migrant Workforce in Israel
Unlike traditional migration destinations such as Europe or North America, Israel does not offer long-term settlement or a pathway to citizenship. Despite this, the number of Indian caregivers arriving in Israel continues to grow each year. According to the Indian Embassy in Israel, around 18,000 Indian citizens are currently employed in Israel, primarily as caregivers for elderly Israelis. Additionally, NORKA Roots, the Kerala government agency for expatriates, estimates that more than 7,000 Malayali’s are engaged in caregiving in Israel.
The majority of these caregivers come from Kerala, a state in southern India historically home to the Cochin Jewish community. Most caregivers are practicing Christians, predominantly from the Catholic Church. In terms of gender distribution, approximately 75% of caregivers are women, with men comprising the remaining workforce. These figures are based on field interactions and observations, as no official data is available.
Motivations for Migration
For many Indian caregivers, migration to Israel is driven by economic necessity. They often take on significant debt to pay exorbitant agency fees, sacrificing financial stability in hopes of earning enough to support their families back home. Some see their time in Israel as a stepping stone to securing caregiver visas in countries like the UK or Canada, which offer better prospects, including family reunification.
A caregiver who recently migrated to Canada shared her experience:
“I worked for years to get this opportunity. English language exams were a challenge, but persistence helped me achieve my goal. I did not leave Israel because I disliked it, but because I could not bear being separated from my husband and children any longer.”
For older caregivers, however, migrating elsewhere is often not feasible. Their primary focus is on saving money, building a home in Kerala, providing a quality education for their children, and securing financial stability for their retirement.
Many caregivers acknowledge Israel’s significance as a Holy Land for Christians, and during their time in the country, they often visit its revered Christian sites. However, whether this religious connection plays a crucial role in their migration decisions remains a matter of debate. While the spiritual aspect is important, economic factors remain the primary driving force behind their decision to work in Israel.
Notably, after the October 7 attacks, many Indian caregivers vocally expressed their support for Israel, reaffirming their commitment to the country. Some see themselves as having a role in countering misinformation about Israel, highlighting their integration into Israeli society despite their status as temporary workers.

Challenges Faced by Indian Caregivers in Israel
The life of a caregiver in Israel is far from easy. Several challenges make their daily existence difficult:
- Round-the-Clock Responsibilities and Isolation: Many caregivers live in their patients’ homes, providing 24/7 care with minimal personal time. The confinement and emotional burden of looking after elderly or disabled patients take a severe toll on their mental well-being. Limited vacation days and strict leave policies further exacerbate their struggles, as extended time off results in lost wages.
- Mental Health Struggles: The demanding nature of their work often leads to stress and burnout. While family and friends offer emotional support from afar, structured mental health counseling remains largely absent. This lack of psychological assistance leaves many caregivers vulnerable to anxiety and depression.
- Security Concerns: The tragic death of Soumya Santosh, an Indian caregiver killed in Ashkelon during Hamas rocket attacks in 2021, was a grim reminder of the risks they face. Despite such incidents, many caregivers express a sense of security. As one caregiver in Haifa noted:
“We know that Israel faces many challenges, from political tensions to rocket fire, but we still feel safe here.”
The Role of the Church and Community Support
Despite these hardships, caregivers have built a strong sense of community, with the church playing a central role in their lives. Religious gatherings, celebrations of Indian and Kerala festivals, and other special occasions provide emotional support and a break from their demanding routines. The Sunday Mass at Stella Maris Monastery Church is not just a religious obligation but a social lifeline that connects them with fellow caregivers.
The Need for Policy Reforms and Support Systems
The experiences of Indian caregivers in Israel highlight the complexities of temporary labor migration—the struggle between economic aspirations and emotional sacrifices. While their contributions to Israeli society are invaluable, their challenges often go unnoticed.
Policymakers, community organizations, and religious institutions could play a critical role in improving their lives by:
- Establishing structured mental health resources and counseling services in native language.
- Creating legal frameworks to prevent exploitative agency fees and ensure fair wages.
- Empowering social support systems, including caregiver associations and networking platforms.
Recognizing their struggles and addressing their needs would ensure that these caregivers, who dedicate their lives to looking after others, receive the care and support they deserve in return.
As caregivers depart from the Sunday Mass, they return to their patients with a renewed spirit, carrying with them a quiet hope that brighter days lie ahead. Their resilience and dedication remain a testament to the enduring human spirit, one that thrives even in the face of adversity.