In the capital city of New Delhi, commencing on October 7 of the preceding year, the Indian government and its citizenry expressed unwavering solidarity with Israel. This exemplifies the exceptional rapport between the Indian and Jewish communities, articulated by Naor Gilon, the Israeli envoy to India.
The Israeli Embassy in New Delhi commemorated Israel’s 76th National Day on Tuesday, May 21, as announced on Wednesday.
During his address, Gilon remarked, “From October 7, both the government and the people of India stood on the side of Israel. It’s a testimony of the extraordinary relations between the Indian and the Jewish people. And this we will never forget. The amount of support we get here is nothing short of amazing. It’s a testimony of the extraordinary relations between the Indian and the Jewish people,” he reiterated.
This year’s observance, centered around the theme of “Israeli Heroism,” poignantly highlighted the fortitude and bravery of the Israeli populace since the events of October 7.
The occasion was graced by Vinay Mohan Kwatra, the Foreign Secretary, who attended as the Chief Guest.
Ambassador Gilon further elaborated, “This Independence Day is complicated and painful, but our resolve is strong. While we mark this Independence Day, our thoughts are with the 128 loved ones who are still held captive. Their immediate release remains our sincere hope and ongoing mission. I take this occasion to salute the heroism of people of Indian descent: Meera and Sabitha, caregivers from Kerala, who saved an elderly couple during the terror attack; and Romi (6), an Israeli child of Indian descent, whose parents were murdered in front of her, tried to protect her little sister – Lia (3) during the attack. They have shown extraordinary courage and a strong spirit, inspiring the entire nation of Israel.”
At the event, Foreign Secretary Kwatra articulated, “We join the people of Israel to celebrate this momentous occasion. It is deeply inspiring that the extraordinary journey of a nation that has not only survived and thrived against all odds, but also transformed itself into a flourishing landscape of innovation, advancement, and growth. Over the years, our partnership has grown exponentially and is marked by mutual respect, understanding, and collaboration across various sectors.”
“The terror attacks on October 7 have left us all shaken. India itself is a victim of cross-border terrorism and has a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. There can be no justifications for acts of terror. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the hostages and innocent lives lost in these heinous acts,” he added.
The evening’s agenda included the playing of the national anthems of Israel and India and a special video message from Isaac Herzog, the President of Israel.
As a gesture of solidarity and hope, Ambassador Gilon, along with the attendees, released 128 yellow balloons, symbolizing the urgent plea for the release of all 128 hostages still in captivity. The event also featured a memorial wall dedicated to the kidnapped, underscoring the collective call for their safe return.
Enhancing the cultural tapestry of the evening, esteemed Israeli chef Shaul Ben-Aderet curated a special menu that fused Israeli cuisine with Indian flavors, offering the attendees a unique culinary experience.
Additionally, the Embassy of Israel donated 60 VR headsets for an upcoming project titled “Disha,” in collaboration with the SAARD organization. VR stations were set up during the event, providing guests with an immersive tour of the holy city of Jerusalem, thus bridging the geographical gap between the two nations through the marvel of technology.