Hindus and Jews mark Haifa Day
The ceremony at the Indian soldiers' cemetery in Haifa itself had to be cancelled this year due to escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.
Leaders from Victoria’s Jewish and Hindu communities came together to commemorate Haifa Day last week.
Organisers hope the event, marking the liberation of Haifa from Ottoman rule by Indian cavalry regiments during WWI, will become an annual tradition of friendship and mutual support.
The ceremony at the Indian soldiers’ cemetery in Haifa itself had to be cancelled this year due to escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.
But the Melbourne gathering last Thursday night, which was attended by 150 people, served as a powerful reminder of the historical bonds between the two communities.
Zionism Victoria president Yossi Goldfarb reflected on the long history of the Jewish presence in India, dating back to antiquity.
“Today, that warm relationship continues, both between Israel and India and between our respective communities here in Victoria. We witnessed it in the past few years, when our community worked closely together with your community to get the Nazi Hakenkreuz banned while safeguarding the Hindu swastika,” he told the audience.
Executive Council of Australian Jewry president Daniel Aghion also pointed out the way both communities worked together on the swastika ban issue.
“We forged a simple and common understanding,” Aghion said, praising the “genuine trust” that developed between Jews and Hindus during the process.
Hindu Council of Australia Victoria president Makarand Bhagwat said the work on banning the Nazi symbol while preserving the cultural and religious significance of the swastika, holy to Hindus, Buddhists and Jains, has brought both communities closer.
He also said the Hindu community understands very well the nature of antisemitic activities in Victoria.
“We stand with you all the time to fight these activities, and we will, for sure, in the future as well,” he said.
Member for Macnamara Josh Burns said the Haifa Day event was an example of Australian multiculturalism.
“After the last 12 months, almost, Australia has felt a little bit unfamiliar … because that precious multiculturalism has been stretched and challenged and attacked. But tonight feels like … the Australia that I grew up in, and the Australia that I love,” he said.
Member for Caulfield David Southwick highlighted the support offered to Jews by the Hindu community after October 7.
“Whilst many of our multicultural communities show sympathy, there’s probably none more than the Indian community that show genuine sympathy [and] friendship and stand up for us when we need them.
“So, my message to you is … just as you have been there for us, we will be here for you,” he said.
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