Gorkha community in Israel seeks justice for slain caregiver Rajiv Acharya

Gorkha community members in Tel Aviv held a candlelight prayer meeting for Rajiv Acharya. The vigil sharpened calls for justice and better protection for foreign caregivers in Israel.Members of the Gorkha community in Israel on Friday held a candlelight prayer meeting in Tel Aviv for Indian national Rajiv Acharya, who was killed in an attack in Jerusalem last month. Community members called for justice for him and support for his family.Acharya, 40, worked as a caregiver for an elderly couple in Jerusalem. Israeli prosecutors have filed an indictment against 31-year-old Avior Zaken, identified as the grandson of the couple, on a charge of premeditated murder. Zaken is in custody, while the motive for the killing is not yet clear.According to the details shared, Acharya was fatally attacked at the couple's residence on July 23. He suffered multiple injuries after allegedly being attacked with a sharp object and later died from severe blood loss. The Indian Embassy said in a post on X on August 19, "The Embassy will continue to closely monitor the case and remain in contact with the concerned authorities."On Friday, members of the community gathered under the banner of "Gorkha Voice for Justice" at Levinsky Park in Tel Aviv. 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. Addressing those present, she said, "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." She added, "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."People at 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 told PTI. Acharya's death has also raised concerns over the safety of foreign caregivers in Israel, particularly those who live and work inside private residences. In a submission to the authorities, community representatives said such arrangements can leave workers vulnerable if they face threats, violence or other unsafe situations. The community's appeal called on Israeli authorities to strengthen preventive measures and create accessible channels for foreign workers to report threats, abuse or violence without fear. The prayer meeting in Tel Aviv brought together members of the Gorkha community and supporters to remember Acharya, press for justice in the case and seek greater protection for caregivers working in private homes.With PTI Inputs- EndsPublished By: India Today Web Desk Published On: Aug 22, 2026 18:08 IST