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INDIAN FALLEN SOLDIERS CEREMONY

September 19 2011, Haifa Indian Cemetery

A ceremony commemorating the sacrifice of Indian Fallen Soldiers during the Battle of Haifa in the First World War was observed at the Haifa Indian Cemetery on September 19, 2011. Ambassador of India to Israel, Navtej Sarna presided over the function, which was graced by Brig Gen (res) Hedva Almog, the Deputy Mayor of Haifa, representatives from Haifa City Council, Israeli Ministry of Defence officers, Haifa Historical Society members, the Representative of the Commonwealth Graves Commission, Defence Attaches from several countries, members of the Indian Jewish Community and a host of other dignitaries. This is the second year that such a ceremony has been organized by the Indian Embassy in Israel.

2. This ceremony draws inspiration from the fact that every year on 23 September, “Haifa Day” is commemorated by the Indian Army, the day on which brave Indian Cavalry Regiments – Jodhpur Lancers, Mysore Lancers and Hyderabad Lancers - helped liberate Haifa in 1918 following a dashing cavalry action by the 15th Imperial Service Cavalry Brigade during the First World War.

3. Ambassador Sarna noted that the ceremony was not just to commemorate the soldiers who are identified and buried in the Haifa Cemetery, but also to remember the efforts of hundreds of Indian soldiers, whose names are not part of any cemetery. He stated that such historic and cultural linkages formed part of the mosaic of the relationship between the India and Israel.

4. The event was marked by the release of a publication titled “Memorials of Indian Soldiers in Israel” (Click here to view the publication). The publication, brought out by the Embassy of India in Israel, documents the sacrifice of the large number of Indian soldiers, who died in this region during the First and Second World Wars. Nearly 900 are cremated / buried in cemeteries across Israel. While releasing the publication, Ambassador Navtej Sarna remarked that it was just a small first step in the long path of bringing greater focus and attention to the efforts of Indians soldiers in this region. He thanked the Commonwealth Graves Commission in Israel for extending their co-operation in bringing out the publication.

5. During her speech, the Deputy Mayor Hedva Almog stated that the citizens of Haifa would be educated about the vital role played by the Indians soldiers in liberating Haifa. She promised that this war effort will be included in the school curriculum at appropriate level in future.

6. The event concluded with a wreath laying ceremony by Ambassador Sarna, Deputy Mayor Hedva Almog and other dignitaries.

View the publication