Dear Friends and Partners,
We reach out with deep sorrow and grave concern as the situation here intensifies, with no foreseeable end to the violence and suffering affecting both sides. The likelihood of an imminent release of the hostages remains uncertain, lacking adequate evidence. It became strikingly apparent to us at Kav LaOved, and to many others across Israel, especially since October 7th how significantly the State's functionality had diminished. In this void, civil society has notably risen to the urgency of the situation. Kav LaOved, true to its mission, continues to advocate for and support thousands of vulnerable workers, many of whom have been directly impacted by this war.
We urge you to join us in remembering all those who tragically suffered in a conflict they were not a part of, and to extend support to the survivors, their families, and their communities. As of this writing, we are aware that 20-25 Thai workers have been abducted, and the status of another 15 remains unknown. Tragically, 39 Thai workers have lost their lives. Additionally, three individuals participating in agriculture student programs have been abducted, including one from Nepal and two from Tanzania. Sadly, 10 students from Nepal were killed. Two Philippine citizens, one a caregiver, have also been abducted. The conflict has claimed the lives of six individuals working as caregivers, hailing from the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Moldova. Four asylum seekers, two each from Sudan and Eritrea, are either deceased or their whereabouts are unknown. Moreover, 6-7 construction workers from China have also been killed in this conflict.
As the war began, we were inundated with urgent requests to evacuate migrant agricultural workers stranded in the southern regions close to the Gaza border. Caught in the midst of life-threatening situations, facing potential harm, and hindered by language barriers, these individuals endured prolonged periods of isolation, desperately needing protection and assistance. Responding to this crisis, we actively provided evacuation and rescue services, and navigated through complex bureaucratic processes to ensure their safe relocation. Further details of these efforts are documented in KLO’s war chronicle.
In the midst of the current war situation, migrant caregivers, who care for the elderly and sick, face a harrowing choice: should they return to their home countries, at the cost of losing their hard-earned compensation and benefits, or continue their caregiving duties in homes that may not have adequate shelters? They grapple with the challenge of protecting themselves while also caring for bedridden elderly individuals. We are committed to safeguarding their wages and benefits, irrespective of their decision. The urgency and complexity of these situations have driven us to enhance our support, offering continuous, around the clock hotlines response for assistance and guidance.
