After the Hamas attack this weekend and the Israeli army’s response, the population in Israel lives in a certain anxiety. African expatriates in the country are also in turmoil. Mostly Eritrean or Sudanese, there are also Congolese, Ivorians or Malians who study or work in the country. Diasporas who live to the rhythm of Hamas attacks and Israeli counterattacks.
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Huge astonishment this weekend and cautious wait-and-see attitude ever since. Expatriate African communities remain on the alert in Israel. In the 12 years he has lived in Tel Aviv, Mahmoud Fofana, a Central African employee of a large restaurant, has never experienced such a wave of violence. “ Immediately I woke up and so did my daughter. We were afraid. Because what happened this weekend, since I’ve been in this country, it’s never happened like this. This time, really, it’s very, very strong. »
Guy Yama, a Kinshasa resident in Tel Aviv, mobilized his football team to respond to calls for blood donations in hospitals and solidarity in the country. “ I raised awareness among my team so that we could donate blood. We need food, water, everything that will be used by the Israeli military. We are ready to give. Yesterday, I also saw Eritreans transporting food to where there are soldiers at the front. »
While we are fighting in the south of the country, life in the rest of the country is slowing down. Christian Malolo, another Congolese from Tel Aviv. “ Some shopping centers are closed, even transport, activities are reduced to 70%, I would say. »
In the opinion of most Africans contacted in Israel, there is no worry or psychosis on their part, but a caution which leads most of them to stay at home.
We did not expect that. That’s exactly what’s scary. I’ve been here for 20 years, this is the first time I’ve been stressed. Not fear, but stress. There are shelters to protect yourself, etc., but stress is the unknown, that’s it. What will happen in two weeks? This is very worrying.
The testimony of a Congolese who has lived in Israel for 20 years