Gorkha community in Israel holds candlelight prayer for murdered Indian national
Members of the Gorkha community in Israel on Friday held a candlelight prayer in Tel Aviv for an Indian national who was killed in an attack allegedly by his employer’s relative in Jerusalem last month, and called for justice for him and support for his family.
Rajiv Acharya, 40, who worked as a caregiver for an elderly couple in Jerusalem, was fatally attacked at their residence on July 23. He suffered multiple injuries after allegedly being attacked with a sharp object and later died from severe blood loss.
Israeli prosecutors have filed an indictment against 31-year-old Avior Zaken, who was identified as the grandson of the elderly couple for whom Acharya worked.
Zaken is currently in custody and faces a charge of premeditated murder. However, the motive for the killing is not clear yet.
“The Embassy will continue to closely monitor the case and remain in contact with the concerned authorities,” the Indian Embassy said in a post on X on August 19.
On Friday, Gorkha community members assembled under the banner of “Gorkha Voice for Justice” at Levinsky Park in Tel Aviv for the peaceful prayer
meeting. They lit candles and observed a moment of silence in Acharya’s memory.
Acharya belonged to the Gorkha community and was from West Bengal. There are about 3,000 people from the Gorkha community working in Israel, a community member said.
Sara Peri, who works with a caregiver agency and supports caregivers in Israel, joined the gathering in seeking justice for Acharya.
“We know how to be together. You were with us, with Israel, during the war. You didn’t leave to be safe in your country. You stayed here with old people,” Peri told
the gathering.
“But at this time we need to support you the same way you supported us and to show our concern to the community. It’s about demanding justice for Rajiv, who left his family to work here,” Peri added.
People in the gathering said they were seeking justice for Acharya lawfully and peacefully, and wanted his family to receive justice and support. “We will continue to stand united, peacefully and respectfully, in support of Rajiv Acharya’s family and justice,” a community member said.
Acharya’s death has raised concerns over the safety of foreign caregivers in Israel, particularly those who live and work inside private residences, according to a submission made by community representatives to the authorities.
The community’s appeal said such arrangements can leave workers particularly vulnerable if they face threats, violence or other unsafe circumstances.
It called on Israeli authorities to strengthen preventive measures and create accessible channels through which foreign workers can report threats, abuse or violence without fear. (PTI )
