On India’s 79th Independence Day, top Israeli leaders, including President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, extended warm greetings to India, calling for stronger ties between the two democracies.
President Herzog, in his message to President Droupadi Murmu and the people of India, expressed gratitude for India’s friendship during Israel’s “difficult days” and voiced hope for the safe return of Israeli hostages. Prime Minister Netanyahu congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling India a “dear friend,” and said the best chapters in India–Israel relations are still ahead, highlighting shared values as “two proud democracies.”
Amir Ohana, Speaker of the Knesset, also joined in with a congratulatory message in Hindi for Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and the Indian people.
In Israel, the Indian community marked the occasion with patriotic fervor. Ambassador JP Singh hoisted the tricolour in Tel Aviv in the presence of nearly 350 people, highlighting the strength of bilateral ties, the contribution of the 40,000-strong Indian workforce in Israel, and the enduring role of the Indian Jewish community as a cultural bridge.
Celebrations also spread to Beersheba, where members of the Indian-origin Jewish community gathered at the local cricket club despite a heat wave. Naor Gudker, chairman of the club, reflected on the deep bond, noting: “We have lived in Israel since our childhood but have not forgotten our Indian roots. We still hold the cultural values alive and never forget that it was the only country where Jews never faced anti-semitism. We are proud of our Indian origin.”
