Foreign workers have sought refuge at an underground facility in Tel Aviv due to continuous air raid sirens, triggered by Israel's air defense systems intercepting the missiles from Iran.
During the day, the workers go out to work amidst the sirens, but at night, they return to the underground civil defense facility in downtown Tel Aviv, as there are no other shelters available in the vicinity.
Located beneath the city's central station, this shelter can accommodate up to 16,000 people, making it one of the largest refuge facilities in the country.
Since the onset of the conflict, it has become a crucial haven for foreign workers living nearby.
Currently, around 100 people are living in the shelter, and numerous tents have been set up for accommodation.
"Because this is the nearest bomb shelter and the safe one. Most of this area are old buildings, so they decided to stay here. Because here it's deep. (There are people from) Nepal, Sri Lanka, India," said Meg, a worker from the Philippines.
The shelter is equipped with electricity, Wi-Fi, drinking water and ventilation facilities, ensuring basic living needs.
With the ongoing conflict, the workers are uncertain about how long they will have to maintain this situation.
"Until it's finished, the war, until it's safe to go outside. Because we have children. It's dangerous for them. When they hear the siren, when they hear the boom, they are shaking, so we decided to stay here," said Meg.
On Feb 28, Israel and the U.S. launched joint attacks on Tehran and several other Iranian cities, killing Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, along with senior military commanders and civilians. Iran responded by launching waves of missile and drone strikes targeting Israeli and U.S. assets in the Middle East.
Foreign workers take shelter at underground facility in Tel Aviv as sirens blare
As the five-day May Day Holiday continues, the ongoing Shanghai International Flower Show is taking place not only in botanical gardens but also in major shopping centers and commercial districts across the city, enhancing the experiences of shoppers and visitors and fostering emotional resonance.
In Pudong, eight shopping malls have joined forces to create a "flower district," with artful floral installations displayed along sidewalks and storefronts. The flowers have been carefully integrated with individual shops and urban spaces, creating immersive designs tailored for each location.
"We designed nearly 40 floral displays, each themed to match the brands involved. For example, this Thai restaurant features Southeast Asian plants to highlight its identity," said Ye Zhenjing, deputy general manager of Shanghai Lujiazui Commercial Management Co., Ltd.
All around, playful flower sculptures have become selfie hotspots for shoppers of all ages, encouraging exploration.
"Adults need to relieve stress and rediscover childhood happiness, too. This year, our theme is animals. So both kids and grown-ups can share in the joy," said Ye.
"It definitely lifts your mood and makes visiting more fun. If this kind of event is happening, I'm more likely to come to malls like this," said a Shanghai shopper surnamed Zhou.
These vibrant displays are not limited to Pudong. For the first time, the Shanghai International Flower Show has expanded beyond botanical gardens to all 16 districts. In Huangpu, traditional shop windows have been transformed into urban flower showcases, while in Jing'an, a five-meter-tall floral puppy installation is trending on social media, drawing visitors and their pets for photos.
"In the past, professional flower shows were only in parks, but now they are in commercial districts. With the arrival of spring, shopping among the flowers is even more delightful," said Liu Min, deputy director of Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce.
This year's Labor Day holiday runs for five consecutive days, from May 1 to May 5.
Shanghai Int'l Flower Show uplifts city shopping experience during Labor Day holiday
