Kolkata, India: Israel surrounded by hostile allies has become synonymous to survival, creativity and economic boom. This is despite envious enemies trying to undermine the tiny Jewish state. While Islamists and communists around the world regularly rally to wipe out the Jewish state, the ability of the Jewish people to survive despite all odds has found strong resonance in India. To show solidarity with the Jewish people and the state of Israel, Hindu Samhati a organization based in India came out with a massive rally in support of Israel as part of its foundation day on February 14th.
In 2014, when terrorism against Israel was on the rise and rockets were being thrown at Israel by Hamas with women and children being used as human shields, Israel was forced to strike back in self-defense. While the world urged Israel to be tolerant towards the intolerant, it was Hindu Samhati who had staged the biggest pro-Israel rally outside Israel with 20,000 people in show of solidarity. The founder of Hindu Samhati , Sri Tapan Ghosh had then urged the entire Hindu world to stand strongly with Israel.
Even in present times, when a movement urging the Indian government to move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem is on in India and many world governments including the United States have agreed to move their embassy to Jerusalem – the eternal capital of the Jewish people, it is Hindu Samhati which made a statement today by rallying 70,000 Hindus behind this cause.
“Moving our Embassy to Jerusalem will honor Israel’s long-standing commitment to peace, and strengthen the bond between our two ancient peoples,” said said Mr. Tapan Ghosh, the founder of Hindu Samhati. He therefore urged the Indian government to formally recognize Jerusalem as the capital of the Jewish State. A resolution to this effect was passed by a voice vote.
Mr. Devdutta Maji, the Vice-President of Hindu Samhati, mentioned the first Israeli Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion at the occasion, citing the founding father of the modern Jewish State as a role model for today’s Hindu leadership along with Mr. Tapan Ghosh. He also spoke in favor of relocating the Indian Embassy to Jerusalem.
The meeting was attended by Gen. GD Bakshi, noted pro-Israel journalist Vijeta Uniyal and host of other speakers. The crowd rallied with placards saying, “Israel -India partners for peace”, “India – Israel . Ancient Cultures . Modern Miracles”,”India – Israel . Friendship Forever”,”India – Israel represents —- honoring women’s rights, freedom of speech, respect for human rights, liberty and equality for all, Democracy.” India stands with Israel and Hindus Love Israel resonated in the air.
Vijeta Uniyal mentioned that in today’s world when anti-Semitism is on the rise in Europe , millions of Hindus in India and in the diaspora are ready to stand with the Jews as brothers and sisters and speak out against the anti-Semitism. Zionism the movement of Jewish Liberation is an inspiration for the Hindus as we unite our country and the community.
Sri Tapan Ghosh also urged the crowd to bless the alliance. He pointed out that Jews for the last 2000 years like the Hindus are fighting a battle for existence in West Bengal, Assam, Jharkhand , in the villages of Deganga, Bardman, Kaliachak , Medinipur, Baduria similarly Jews are fighting for their existence in little Israel, surrounded by a sea of Islamist neighbors. This struggle for survival, shared cherished values of reverence for education, mutual respect, women’s’ rights, unites Hindus and Jews apart from the 2500 years of glorious history that binds both the communities.
Hindu Samhati which was founded 10 years back to serve the poorest of poor Hindus in rural heartland of Eastern Bharat plagued by Islamist violence, insecurity and thereby poverty, has today emerged as a force to recon with. The rally was attended by Hindus and Buddhists from the states of Bengal, Assam and Jharkhand. The gigantic crowd of 70,000 volunteers, and may thousands others prevented from attending by nefarious forces against the Hindu -Jewish global alliance, is testimony of the fact that Hindus believe in this alliance despite attempts to create divide. Such a huge turnout in a non-political rally, shows the deep trust of the Hindus from the Eastern part of Bharat in the Hindu Samhati leadership. Their influence on ground will impact very positively India-Israel relations in times to come.