Title: Tragedy in Israel: Thai community in shock
Introduction :
Tragedy strikes the Thai community in Israel, as twenty-one Thai workers were killed and fourteen others held hostage by the Islamist group Hamas. These agricultural workers, who came from poor regions of Thailand in the hope of improving their financial situation, now find themselves caught at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This news is causing great concern among their families in Thailand, who are anxiously awaiting news of their injured or missing loved ones.
The high price of opportunity:
Around 30,000 Thais work in Israel, mainly in the agricultural sector. For these migrant workers, this opportunity represents a chance to earn up to six times their usual salary. However, exposure to pesticides, unsanitary housing conditions and unexplained deaths were already denounced by Human Rights Watch in 2015. These workers, who have come to seek a better life, often pay a high price for this opportunity.
A mother’s drama:
The poignant story of Noopar Pansa-Ard, mother of one of the deceased Thai workers, reminds us of the distress felt by the families remaining in Thailand. Her son had expressed his fears to her before leaving and asked her, in the event of an incident, to stay strong. Unfortunately, during a phone call, the mother heard explosions then silence, before learning the sad news of her son’s death. The anguish of families is palpable, as they anxiously await news of their loved ones being held hostage.
The consequences of the conflict:
Following the Hamas attack, many Thai workers in Israel now want to return home, far from the violence of the conflict. Athit Papakhao, a Thai worker living on a kibbutz, describes the difficult situation during which he lacks electricity and food. Around 5,000 Thai workers are expected to be repatriated in the coming days. This early return also raises questions about the economic consequences for these Thai families living in already poor regions.
Conclusion :
The tragedy affecting the Thai community in Israel raises questions about the working conditions and safety of these migrant workers. It highlights the risks inherent in geopolitical conflicts for foreign workers simply seeking to improve their lives. This painful situation should remind us of the importance of guaranteeing the security and rights of all workers, regardless of their origin or status.