Israel unveils roundabout to honour Mahatma

Marks 60 years of establishment of Kiryat Gat which has a good concentration of Bene Israelis (Indian Jews).

Kiryat Gat, where the rounabaout was unveiled, is a small township in the south of Israel with about 2,000 Indians from the Bene Israel community living here.

The first roundabout honouring Mahatma Gandhi was on Monday inaugurated here, celebrating 60 years of this Israeli town’s establishment.

“It is a symbol of the warm friendship enjoyed between the people of India and Israel and the two countries politically. It is a proud moment for us to be honouring a leader whose message remains relevant till today,” the Mayor of Kiryat Gat, Aviram Dahari, said.

Gandhiji as model

Calling upon local students gathered at the ceremony to learn from the great Indian leader, Mr. Dahari said it was also an “educational initiative for local children to learn about other cultures and their greats.”

Kiryat Gat is a small township in the south of Israel with about 2,000 Indians from the Bene Israel community living here.

Mahatma has come home

“It is a happy day for all of us because the Mahatma has arrived at our home,” Dayana Nagaonkar, a local resident said in Hindi and Marathi addressing the gathering at a function at the local municipality.

The plaque placed at the roundabout has been an initiative of a local Indian resident, Roger Judah, whose contribution was applauded by all the participants.

A proud moment

“It is the first of its kind and certainly a proud moment for all of us”, Mr. Judah said.

Israel has a street named after Indian poet-laureate Rabindranath Tagore in Tel Aviv but it is the first time that something in the country has been named after father of the nation.

“Political and spiritual leader, who led the Indian independence movement in its struggle against the British empire, became a symbol of tolerance and resolving conflicts non-violently. Inspired many freedom and human rights fighters throughout the world,” the plaque placed at the roundabout reads in English and Hebrew.

Memorable day

India’s Ambassador to Israel, Jaideep Sarkar, called it a “memorable” day.

“Mahatma Gandhi has a special place in the hearts of Indians but it is a matter of great honour and pride to see him being honoured this way here,” Mr. Sarkar said.

Akin to David Ben-Gurion

Drawing parallels between Israel’s first Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion and Mahatma Gandhi, the Indian envoy pointed out that when he visited the hut of the Israeli leader in Sde Boker he was surprised to see Gandhiji’s photo as the only one hanging on the wall.

He also pointed out Gandhiji’s close association with the Jewish community in South Africa and their influence on him.

Hundreds of Indians from all over Israel gathered to participate in the ceremony.