NEW DELHI: In a heartwarming gesture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his greetings to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the global Jewish community on the auspicious occasion of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. Utilizing the popular social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), PM Modi penned a warm message that read, "Shana Tova! Warmest greetings on Rosh Hashanah to my friend Benjamin Netanyahu, the friendly people of Israel and the Jewish community across the world. May the new year bring good health, peace and prosperity in everyone's life."
Rosh Hashanah, which translates to 'head of the year,' is a significant two-day celebration marking the commencement of the Jewish High Holy Days, observed each autumn. This millennia-old holiday holds great importance for the Jewish community, serving as a period for reflection and marked by prayer, the consumption of symbolic foods, and the resonating sound of the traditional shofar horn.
The prior day, Prime Minister Modi commended the Israeli embassy for releasing a video in which its officials recited famous Hindi film dialogues as part of the Hindi Diwas celebrations on September 14. In his message, PM Modi praised the embassy, stating that tradition, prestige, and discipline were the cornerstones of the Israeli diplomatic mission. He even shared a witty reference to Israeli ambassador Naor Gilon's playful take on a dialogue from the 2007 Bollywood film "Mohabbatein."
India and Israel share a close and strategic partnership, characterized by warm and forward-looking political ties. This relationship, which traces its roots back over two millennia, is significant not only in the diplomatic sphere but also in the cultural context. India has been a welcoming home to the Jewish community for centuries, and their contributions have significantly enriched Indian culture.
It is noteworthy that India holds a special place in Israel's perception, seen as an ancient nation with strong cultural traditions and a popular tourist destination. Yoga and Ayurveda, two pillars of Indian culture, have garnered immense popularity in Israel. The International Day of Yoga is a highly anticipated event in Israel, celebrated with great enthusiasm, showcasing the deep cultural exchanges between the two nations.
Prime Minister Modi's warm wishes and acknowledgment of the shared cultural ties between India and Israel serve as a testament to the enduring friendship and cooperation between the two nations, not only in the realm of diplomacy but also in the exchange of traditions and values.
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