Kenyan stuck in Israel shares her experience living through war

Wanja Mwaura travelled to Israel in October 2024 to seek medical treatment. She is yet to return home – almost three years later.

She says it has not been a cakewalk given the ongoing wars in the region, and the re-calibrations she has had to make to her life in a foreign land.

“Life under these conditions is not easy, but life must continue,” she told Citizen Digital from Tel Aviv.

“Our lives have become more of a routine these days; when you hear a siren, immediately you get a red alert on your phone, and you have a minute and a half to get to the nearest bunker,” she says.

 According to Wanja, living in bunkers is not something one adapts to easily.

“You just have to be prepared all the time. At first, it was difficult when I arrived in Israel because I came from a relatively quiet country – where all we’ve had are riots or skirmishes. I had to learn and adopt quickly to this environment,” said Wanja who has since finalised her treatment.

“The people of Israel have been very helpful to myself, and others who have needed assistance to get to a bunker, or move around when needed,” she said – adding that the policy in Israel is that ‘no one is left behind’.

Wanja says she is in constant contact with other Kenyans in Tel Aviv and other cities across Israel.

 “There is a WhatsApp group for Kenyans, and we get to talk and check on each other whenever there is an incident,” she says.

Wanja says she longs for home – and cannot wait to come see her family and friends again.

“War is not funny. I wish Kenyans can maintain peace all the time. Otherwise, we are safe here and can only thank God. The Israeli government here is supporting all of us,” she said.