As Haifa, the tech capital in Israel, awaits Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s arrival, a request here to commemorate the sacrifices of Indian soldiers, especially Mysore Lancers, during the Haifa Day on September 23 is being considered by the Israeli consulate in Bengaluru, India’s tech capital.
For, the troops from Mysore Imperial Service, whose contribution in liberation of Haifa has been acknowledged in the records and appreciated by the British Army, were based in the then Bangalore, and several soldiers from here laid down their life. A memorial, marking their valour at Haifa, nearly a century ago, stands in J.C. Nagar even today.
Some of the members of the erstwhile royal family of Mysore have been urging the Israeli consulate to commemorate Haifa Day that is observed to mark the liberation of Haifa from Turkish, German and Austrian troops at the end of World War 1, in Bengaluru too.
“We will consider the request. The memory of Indian martyrs in World War 1 is very dear to us and we have great respect for our historic ties,” Yael Hashavit, Israeli Consular General in Bengaluru, told The Hindu . “I am from Haifa and the cemetery for Indian soldiers has been dear to me and the people of Haifa. It is (now) full of colour to celebrate Mr. Modi’s visit,” she said.
According to records, 34 men from Mysore Imperial Service Lancers and 13 from Mysore Imperial Service Transport Corps died during World War 1 in the Middle East that included a battle in Egypt, Mesopotamia (present day Iraq), Gaza and Palestine.
In the past, accepting a request from Raja Chandra R., the son-in-law of the last Maharaja of Mysore Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar, the Israeli consulate here had observed Haifa Day in 2014. However, it has not been part of the consulate’s annual calender since then.
“Next year (2018) would mark the centenary celebrations of Haifa liberation. My interest is to trace all those who have sacrificed their life at Haifa,” he said.
