Indian workers in Israel demand accountability after murder of Indian caregiver

Indian domestic workers in Israel are demanding accountability after the murder of an Indian caregiver named Rajeev Acharya. The stabbing took place on July 23, 2026, by an Israeli national, Avior Zaken, who faces charges of premeditated murder under the Israeli penal code. Indian workers in Israel have filed a formal appeal, calling for justice, compensation for Acharya's family, and protection from violence and abuse.

The incident has raised concerns about the vulnerability of thousands of Indian workers in Israel, who live and work within the homes they are employed in. In May 2023, India signed an agreement to send over 42,000 Indian workers to Israel, with 34,000 expected to work in construction and 8,000 in elderly care. Since the beginning of Israel's operation in Gaza, the number of Indian workers has increased due to high unemployment rates and poor wages in India.

The Israeli government has indicted Zaken, the grandson of the elderly couple who employed Acharya, for the attack. India's embassy in Tel Aviv stated that it is in close contact with Israeli authorities, who have arrested a suspect and are investigating the incident fully. The Indian community has emphasized the need for the Israeli government to prosecute the case thoroughly and provide protection to Indian foreign workers from violence and abuse.

In August 2025, more than 20,000 Indian workers had arrived in Israel since the start of the Gaza genocide, and new agreements projected up to 100,000 Indian laborers arriving by 2028. However, several major Indian trade unions have called for a halt to the flow of Indian workers to Israel, citing concerns over complicity in Israel's genocide of Palestinians. The Indian government has faced pressure from activists over its continued provision of military supplies to Israel during the Gaza conflict.