By Matters India Reporter
Keerithodu: The funeral of an Indian nurse who was killed in a Palestinian rocket attack in Israel was held on May 16 in Kerala.
Bishop John Nellikkunnel of Idukki conducted the funeral services of Soumya Santhosh adhering to Covid-19 protocol at Nithya Sahaya Matha (Perpetual Help) Church in Keerithodu, a village in Idukki district.
Diocesan spokesperson Father Jose Plachickal said a message of Syro-Malabar Church head, Cardinal George Alencherry, was read out at the funeral that took place at 3:45 pm.
Earlier, hundreds of people, following Covid protocol, paid tribute to the departed soul as the body was kept at her residence. Besides locals and politicians, Consul General of Israel in South India, Jonathan Zadka, visited Soumya’s residence to pay homage. Talking to her relatives, Zadka said Soumya is regarded as an angel by the people of Israel.
“I cannot imagine how difficult this loss would be for her family,” he said. Later, in a tweet, Zadka said he was honored to pay his respects and convey his government’s sympathies to the family and friends of Santosh as she was laid to rest in her home town.
Santhosh’s body was to Kerala on May 15 via New Delhi.
Santhosh, 30, had been working as a housemaid in Israel for the last seven years. She was killed on May 11 when the rocket fell on her residence in the city of Ashkelon while she was talking to her husband Santhosh, who is in Kerala, over video call.
Her death was confirmed early May 12 by Muralidharan, Minister of State for External Affairs. He tweeted: “Spoke with the family of Ms. Soumya Santosh to convey my deep condolences at her tragic demise during the rocket attacks from Gaza today. Assured all possible assistance.”
The fighting between Israel and Palestinians intensified recently.