India Stood by Israel in Difficult Times; The Two Nations Are Natural Friends: Nittai Ben-Haiem
New Delhi, The Forum for Awareness of National Security (FANS) organized the 108th Haifa Victory Day Commemoration at Three-Murti Haifa Chowk in New Delhi, paying tribute to the Indian soldiers who laid down their lives during the Battle of Haifa. The ceremony began with the National Song, followed by floral tributes at the memorial pillars erected in memory of the brave soldiers.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Indresh Kumar, Chief Patron of the Forum for Awareness of National Security (FANS) and Member of the National Executive of the RSS, said that Three-Murti Haifa Chowk would, in the years to come, become one of the important pilgrimage landmarks in the world. He expressed the hope that a grand annual fair would one day be organized at the site, attracting visitors from across the globe.
Dr. Indresh Kumar said that India has always played an important role in promoting world peace and that the contribution of Indian soldiers in the liberation of Haifa was also rooted in this spirit. He recalled that despite limited resources, Indian soldiers displayed extraordinary courage and secured victory, contributing to the restoration of peace.
He noted that in memory of these brave soldiers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi renamed Three-Murti Chowk as Three-Murti Haifa Chowk in 2018. Since then, FANS has commemorated Haifa Victory Day every year on September 23.
Dr. Indresh Kumar appreciated the efforts of the event organizers, including Major General Suresh Bhattacharya, Programme Coordinator and National Secretary Rajesh Mahajan, Abhay Kumar Tayal, Kislay Mishra, Naveen Chauhan, Dr. Mohammad Afsar, Jatinder Chhabra and Rajib Mukhopadhyay.
Referring to India-Israel relations, Dr. Indresh Kumar said that the two countries have maintained longstanding friendly relations. He also highlighted the common challenges posed by terrorism and extremism. Describing India as a land of peace, harmony and democratic values, he said that the Sanatan, Buddhist, Sikh and Jain traditions have all conveyed messages of peace and harmony to the world.
India-Israel Friendship Rooted in Shared Challenges
Nitay Ben-Haim, Political Adviser at the Embassy of Israel, expressed gratitude to FANS for organizing the commemoration and said that Israel has always regarded India as a friend. He said that India had stood by Israel during difficult times.
Ben-Haim noted that India and Israel are among the world’s ancient civilizations and face several common challenges. He highlighted the growing cooperation between the two countries in areas including science, technology, agriculture, security and strategic affairs, adding that shared challenges and cooperation have brought the two nations closer.
Lieutenant General A. S. Lamba, National Working President of FANS, shared his military experiences and described India-Israel relations as enduring. He said the relationship between the two countries extends beyond geographical boundaries and that the two nations have provided each other with moral, strategic and psychological support over the years.
Kiran Chopra, Chairperson and Managing Director of Punjab Kesari, said she felt proud to be part of families that had made sacrifices for the nation. Paying tribute to the fallen soldiers, she said that such programmes provide an important opportunity to acquaint the younger generation with the sacrifices of their forefathers.
She further said that the annual commemorative programmes organized under the leadership of Dr. Indresh Kumar not only provide an occasion to honour the brave soldiers but also help educate the younger generation about their sacrifices. She described Dr. Indresh Kumar as one of the most prominent warriors of the present era.
Sardar Jasveer Singh, National Working President of FANS, delivered the opening address and highlighted the bravery of Indian soldiers and their contribution to the victory at Haifa.
The Delhi Chapter President of FANS, Major General Suresh Bhattacharya, delivered the vote of thanks, while Ms. Vaishali Bhatia conducted the proceedings.
The event was attended by several distinguished guests, including Golok Bihari Rai, Vikramaditya Singh, Prof. Dr. Gurmeet Singh, Advocate Arun Kumar, Prof. Shivaji Sarkar, Prof. Dr. M. Rahmatullah, Dr. Tarun Garg, Dr. Vivek, Rajpal Singh, Gopal Singh, Ramniwas, Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok, Dr. Ashok Kumar and Mayank Shekhar, among others.
The ceremony concluded with the National Anthem.
