Israel Consul-General in Mumbai, Kobbi Shoshani, on Saturday condemned the ongoing violence in Bangladesh and expressed solidarity with the Hindus persecuted there.
"What is happening there is unacceptable," said Shoshani, referring to the scenario confronting Bangladeshi Hindus that has attracted the attention and concerns of the world.
He underlined the importance of dealing with the issues of the minority community there and stated a common understanding of suffering, which was based on the historical experiences of Jews who lived in India without fear or persecution.
"We understand what it is for daughters and children to be murdered and butchered by criminals," added Shoshani, referencing the recent tragedies that have impacted both communities.
Speaking at the plenary session of the World Hindu Economic Forum (WHEF) here, Shoshani thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India for their support towards both Israel and Bangladesi Hindus.
"We will never forget what happened to us on October 7, 2023," he said, emphasizing that solidarity was the only way to fight terrorism, as both India and Israel shared similarities in their challenges pertaining to security and extremism.
Shoshani asserted that such crises can often give birth to innovations, in terms of telecommunications and medical technologies, which reiterates how military strength is important to achieve economic growth for both of them.
"You can't have a strong economy with a weak army," said the envoy and repeated how a strong army is important for a sound economy.
Describing India as “Israel’s biggest friend in Asia”, admiring this country’s vibrant culture and significant contributions to global society, Shoshan underscored the need for continued collaboration between the two countries.
Shoshan was posted to Mumbai by the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs after the deadly 26/11 (2008) terror attacks here, where Pakistani extremists had swooped on the Chabad House in Colaba and killed/injured several Jews.
Earlier, India-Jewish community member Aaron Solomon unveils a session at the WHEF on collaboration opportunities between the two countries, reflecting the unique relationships they enjoyed.
Solomon said that historically there have been Jews in this country, how their forefathers arrived here on the Konkan (coastal Maharashtra) around 2,000 years ago.
He mentioned how when he was a teenager, there were over 50,000 Jews in India. Today, hardly 4,000 are left but they have adapted and assimilated with the native Indian culture without ever encountering any anti-Semitism sentiments.
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