Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday congratulated India on its 80th Independence Day, with both leaders stressing the close ties between the two countries. Herzog called for strengthening the “beautiful friendship” between India and Israel, while Netanyahu said the two countries’ innovation and friendship are “boundless” and that “the best is yet to come”.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry also extended greetings, while members of the Indian community in Israel marked the occasion with celebrations and planned events across the country. More than 400 Indians from different parts of Israel gathered in Herzliya for a flag-hoisting ceremony organised by the Indian mission.
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“On behalf of the State of Israel, I warmly congratulate President @rashtrapatibhvn, Prime Minister @narendramodi, and the wonderful people of India on your 80th Independence Day!” Herzog posted on X. “I hope that we will continue to strengthen this beautiful friendship between Israel and India,” he said.
Netanyahu also posted his message on X shortly after the end of Sabbath on Saturday evening. “Congratulations to India and to my dear friend @PMOIndia @narendramodi on your 80th Independence Day”, he said. “India and Israel achieved independence one year apart. We are two ancient nations that seize the future together to bring a better life for our people,” the Israeli premier said. “Our innovation and friendship are boundless. The best is yet to come!” he added.
Official communiques are generally put on hold in Israel during Sabbath, so Netanyahu’s message was issued only on Saturday evening. The Israeli Foreign Ministry also conveyed its greetings on the occasion.
In Herzliya, more than 400 Indians from across Israel reached the venue in the morning despite the early start held in view of the “historic journey of the Suryapath Tiranga”, with the Indian mission in Israel passing the baton to the mission in Egypt. Ambassador J P Singh hoisted the Tricolour amid patriotic slogans. The ceremony began with the singing of Vande Mataram, marking the 150th anniversary of the national song.
Singh also felicitated the winners of the “Know India Quiz” and the photography competition “India Through My Lens”. The Indian mission organised a short cultural programme after the flag hoisting. Meanwhile, the Indian community in Israel has planned several events across the country, including a special function by the Bhartiya Gorkha Association of Israel at Rothschild Street in Tel Aviv.
More than 40,000 Indians are estimated to be working in different sectors of the Israeli economy, with reports of many more waiting to join the workforce. The greetings from Israeli leaders and the celebrations by the Indian community together marked India’s 80th Independence Day in Israel.
With PTI Inputs
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
