Modi in the Knesset!

As an Indian who looks at Israel with deep inquisitiveness, I was suprised to see this moment where Prime Minister Modi spoke in the Knesset of Israel. He started by greeting everyone Shalom-meaning wholeness or peace. He then went on to say that he brings the "friendship" of 1.4 Billion people of India. Narendra Modi was the first Prime Minister of India to visit Israel in 2017 and now became the first to speak in the Knesset. He said he felt drawn to the land of Israel as he was born on the day when India accepted Israel as a nation on September 17, 1950. He struck the right chord with the parliamentarians as he drew a parallel with being affected by terrorism as he mentioned about October 7th and November 26 attacks. Zero tolerance to terrorism was emphasized. The Abraham accords was applauded by India but it has become more challenging . The Gaza peace initiative is welcome and said the road to peace is not easy but called for dialogue.

He referred to the ties that spanned 2000 years ago between Israel and India. He referred to the book of Esther that mentioned India as Hindu and the portions of Talmud. He referred to the various sects of Jews that lived in India. Bnei Israel of Maharashtra , kochini Jews of Kerala, Baghdadi Jews of Calcutta, Bnei Menashe of North East - the sects that lived in India. PM Modi referred to many distinguished Jews who made a mark in the Indian society.

More than a thousand Indian soldiers laid down their lives in the First world war in the middle east and Haifa cavalry charge stands a testament. He referred to the holocaust and how Indian rulers like Sir Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji Jadeja also known as Jamsaheb Maharaja of Nawanagar, Gujarat. offered refuge to polish children who had nowhere else to go. He mentioned about Per drop more crop initiative in agriculture which was executed in India based on Israeli innovation

Defense and security is another major area of cooperation between Israel and India , as trusted partners in an uncertain world. He mentioned on the cooperation for Quantum technologies, Semi conductors and AI partnership.

The Prime Minister hailed the Yoga practice in Israel and also opined that Ayurveda awareness was something that Israel was keenly interested on from India.

He referred to Indian caregivers and skilled workers in Israel who also showed heroism in times of crisis.

Jewish teachings says- he who saves one life saves the entire world.

The concluding part of his address was on the parallels between Jewish teachings and Hinduism.

He linked the two ancient civilisations with the philosophical parallels between them Tikkun Olam-Healing the World, Vasudhaiva Kutumbam- World as one family.

Judaism had the rituals and ethical life rooted in the halacha which has an equivalent of the Hindu philosophy of Dharma .

He also mentioned about the similarity in festivals and the timing of these Hanukkah and Diwali . Holi and Purim.

He ended the landmark address with slogans of Am Israel Chai, Jai Hind!

Benjamin Netanyahu earlier termed Modi as a great friend of Israel and a great leader of the world. He termed Modi as a brother(more than a friend). He compared the two ancient civilisations- Jordan valley and the Indus Valley civilisations and the bond between them.

Post script: Shalom comes from the Lord. Jesus our Lord after His ascension declared Shalom to His disciples. Tikkun Olam-Fixing the world is one's responsibility and that was done by the Lord Jesus as He reconciled the world to God and we carry the message of reconciliation.(2 Cor 5:18)

The Israeli festivals of Hanukkah(Feast of dedication) pointed to the Lord Jesus as He said "I am the light of the world(John 8:12) and when we follow the Lord, we don't walk in darkness but in His light. Purim whose origins are in the book of Esther shows how the great KING is behind it all. He is the God of turnaround. In one night the mighty Haman was thrown down and the pious, zealous Mordecai was lifted up. No weapon fashioned against you shall prosper(Is 54:17)