Timorese Students in Israel Report Controlled Daily Life Amid Israel-Iran Conflict
Timorese students in Israel are navigating a controlled and cautious daily life amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. Despite frequent missile alerts and occasional bombings, students such as Januário Fernandes describe a situation where normal activities quickly resume once alarms end. According to Fernandes, alarms signal different levels of threat: the first warns of nearby missile launches, while the second indicates immediate danger, prompting people to seek shelter. Even during these tense moments, many continue their daily routines, including attending school and work, once the alerts subside.
The conflict has created a heightened sense of alertness among the population, but the reality on the ground remains localized, with Israeli military forces actively managing the situation to minimize harm. Fernandes notes that while many people experience trauma, life continues with caution and resilience. The Timorese government is closely monitoring the situation through its diplomatic missions and maintaining regular communication with its citizens in Israel to ensure their safety.
In response to the escalating tensions, the government has initiated repatriation efforts for Timorese students studying in Israel. The first group of fifteen students has already been safely returned, traveling overland through Egypt and Qatar before arriving in Bali, Indonesia, with plans to return to Timor-Leste soon. This operation was coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (MNEC), the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry (MAPPF), and the Arava International Center for Agricultural Training (AICAT), with all costs covered by AICAT. The government continues to work closely with Israeli and regional authorities to organize further repatriations as flight availability permits.
Currently, approximately 200 Timorese students remain in Israel, many of whom continue their studies despite the ongoing conflict. The government, through its diplomatic channels, is providing support and prioritizing their protection. Officials emphasize that while the situation is serious, it has not escalated to a full-scale disruption of daily life for these students.
Diplomatic efforts are ongoing to reduce tensions in the Middle East, with calls from international bodies such as the United Nations for restraint and dialogue. The Timorese government remains committed to safeguarding its citizens abroad and coordinating with international partners to manage the evolving situation. This coordinated response reflects a careful balance between ensuring safety and maintaining normalcy for Timorese students living and studying in a challenging environment.