Seminar on Role of Indian soldiers in liberation of Haifa (Israel)
To commemorate and salute the Indian soldiers, Forum for Integrated National Security (FINS) organised a seminar on role of Indian soldiers in liberation of Haifa (Israel) on October 1 in New Delhi. The seminar was attended by a galaxy of more than 250 participants from academics, legal, social and other walks of life.
The seminar was inaugurated jointly by Lt. General (retd.) JFR Jacob, PVSM (Bangladesh War Hero), Shri Indresh Kumar, founder of the FINS, Shri Jaswant Singh, former Union Minister, Shri Ravi Iyer, from Indo Israel Friendship Forum, Shri Yahel Vilan, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Israel, New Delhi. The speakers highlighted the contribution of Indian soldiers in liberation of the port city Haifa from Ottoman rule on September 23, 1918, during World War 1.
Sq Leader (Retd.) Rana TS Chinna, an expert on defence history elaborated the fight of Jodhpur Lancers & Mysore Lancers under Major Thakur Dalpat Singh, MC. The Israel government still continues recognising the contribution of war heroes through mention in its history text books and “Memorials”. Lt. General JFR Jacob, quoted a few rare books on war history to make his point that Indian soldiers irrespective of caste and religion are the best and most dependable.
Shri Indresh Kumar suggested action plan by proposing “patriotic tourism” to the audience. We should visit our borders and the villagers living nearby to know the role of defence forces in our safety and comfort. He also moved a resolution which was unanimously accepted by the elite audience. The resolution proposed renaming Teen Murti Chowk as “Teen Murti Haifa Chowk”. Shri Jaswant Singh Former Foreign Minister who himself was a major in army brought out the fact that the Government of the day has yet to do its duty towards defence forces.
Indo Israel Friendship Forum advisor Shri Ravi Kumar highlighted many contributions of Jewes in India. Deputy Chief of Israel Embassy Shri Yahel Vilan promised all support to FINS & Indo Israel Friendship Forum for bringing India and Israel closer and for Indians visit to Haifa in 2018, the centenary year of Indian Heroism in Haifa.
