In a gesture of friendship, members of the Israeli consulate in the city reached out to the Muslim community across south India and hosted an iftar for them on Wednesday.
The party, a first for Israel in South India, was hosted by Consul General Yael Hashavit and the Indian Economic Trade Organization. Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, chief Imam, All India Organization of Imams of Mosques, was the chief guest.
“I was born and raised in Haifa, a city where people from many religions stay together in harmony. Jews and Muslims have a lot in common. We have many shared values, and Israel has over one million Muslims living in peace and playing a vital role in all aspects of society,” said Ms. Hashavit.
After guests broke their fast, the Imam led them in prayers and then they were served a middle-eastern buffet which was designed by Ms. Hashavit drawing inspiration from her time in Haifa.
After the prayers, the Imam said that his visit to Israel had helped clear many misconceptions he had about the treatment of Muslims in the predominantly Jewish country.
“I want Indian Muslims to visit Israel. They can clear their misconceptions as well. We want both Palestine and Israel to have good relations. I am sure Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit will be important in terms of promoting peace in the region,” he said.
Mr. Modi is scheduled to visit Israel in the first week of July.
