Ramat Gan (Israel), June 20:Since the Israel-Iran war began on June 13, many Israelis are spending nights in underground train stations to avoid the threat of Iranian missile attacks. Aziza Melech, a 34-year-old event planner, described the relief of finally resting on an inflatable mattress in a Tel Aviv-area light rail station after days of anxiety and running for shelter at every siren. Families, foreign workers, and young professionals bring mattresses, sleeping bags, snacks, and pets, turning stations into makeshift safe havens.
The war started with Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear and military sites. Iran has retaliated with over 450 missiles and 1,000 drones, killing at least 24 people in Israel and striking numerous civilian sites including homes and hospitals.
These attacks have forced many to rethink their response to sirens, opting for safer, stable locations to sleep through the nights.
Many nighttime shelter residents are foreign workers living in older apartments lacking proper shelters, especially in poorer neighborhoods. New buildings have reinforced safe rooms, but stronger ballistic missiles pose growing risks.
Others sleep in underground parking garages, where mutual aid groups have set up tents, or in atomic shelters like Tel Aviv’s Central Bus Station, though some of these spaces remain underused due to poor conditions.
Roi Asraf, a father of one, sleeps nightly in a station with his family despite having a safe room at home, saying he prefers not to take unnecessary risks. Volunteers provide entertainment to help calm children before sleep.
Despite the disruption, many residents support Israel’s military actions and express hope the conflict will end soon. Asraf remarked he is willing to endure sleepless nights in stations for the sake of safety. (AP)
