This is why Dimona, hit by Iran’s missiles, is called ‘Little India’

Dimona, a southern Israeli town popularly known as “Little India”, was hit by Iranian ballistic missiles on Saturday night, injuring at least 47 people. The missile strike, which targeted a residential area, came after Israel carried out an attack on Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility. Iranian state media called the launch a “response” to the Israeli action.

Located in the Negev desert, Dimona is home to Israel’s nuclear programme and the highly secretive Negev Nuclear Research Center, a key strategic site long linked to Israel’s undeclared nuclear capabilities.

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Emergency responders from Magen David Adom reported that most injuries were due to shrapnel or accidents while rushing to shelters. Among those hurt were children, including a 12-year-old seriously wounded by shrapnel and a 10-year-old in moderate condition. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed that its missile interceptors failed to neutralise the projectile.

Why is Dimona called Little India?

Dimona is nicknamed “Little India in Israel” because of its large Indian-Jewish community, mostly from Maharashtra, who migrated to Israel in the 1950s and 1960s. Today, about 7,500 Indian-origin Jews live in Dimona, making up nearly 30% of the population.

The community keeps its cultural roots alive through language, festivals, cuisine, and traditions. Marathi and Hindi are widely spoken, while cricket, Indian snacks like gulab jamun and bhelpuri, and festivals such as Diwali and Onam remain central to daily life.

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Members of the Indian community in Dimona work in sectors including diamond trading, IT, and caregiving, maintaining strong ties with India through cultural events and social gatherings. The town also hosts music and film festivals that celebrate Indian culture, drawing visitors from across Israel.