Israel celebrates 78th Independence Day; announces Shivaji Maharaj statue initiative in Israel

Highlighted Israel’s resilience and continued success despite the challenges of recent years, and the growing cooperation between Israel and India across different fields.

Highlighting deep friendship between India and Israel, Israel’s Consul General, Yaniv Revach, announced an initiative to establish a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Israel, a project being advanced in close cooperation with the Government of Maharashtra. He also expressed his sincere appreciation to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for his enthusiastic support and commitment to helping bring this historic initiative to life, reflecting the mutual respect and admiration between the peoples of India and Israel.

The announcement was made during the Consulate General of Israel's celebration of Israel’s 78th Independence Day, held at The St. Regis Mumbai, where Minister of Culture, Ashish Shelar, attended as Guest of Honour alongside senior government officials, diplomats, business leaders, cultural figures, and friends of Israel from across Western India. The Israel Ministry of Tourism team in Mumbai, led by Galit Hoffman, Consul for Tourism Affairs, also participated in the event.
 

Commenting on the occasion, Consul General Yaniv Revach said: "As we celebrate Israel’s 78th Independence Day, we also celebrate the strong and growing friendship between Israel and India. The initiative to establish a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Israel reflects our deep respect for India’s heritage and the close ties between our peoples."

The Consul General also highlighted Israel’s resilience and continued success despite the challenges of recent years, emphasising the strength of Israeli society, its innovation-driven economy, and the growing cooperation between Israel and India across different fields.

Shelar shared, "On Israel's 78th Independence Day, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the people of Israel. India and Israel share a strong partnership founded on trust, innovation, and mutual respect. Maharashtra takes special pride in its historic ties with the Bene Israel community, which symbolises the deep cultural bond between our peoples. May the friendship between India, Maharashtra, and Israel continue to flourish and create new avenues for cooperation and shared progress."

This year's celebration highlighted the growing friendship between Israel and India through a unique combination of cuisine, music and shared creativity. The evening also featured a unique performance by JAMAN, an Israeli ensemble that combines music, rhythm, lights and movement.