India-Israel Relations: Myths vs. Reality

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What an irony that India and Israel, two nations that have consistently supported each other during the most challenging times, remain distant when it comes to people-to-people interaction.

Despite strong diplomatic and strategic ties, the cultural and social exchange between the citizens of these two countries has not reached its full potential. This gap highlights the need for initiatives that foster deeper understanding and closer connections between the people of India and Israel.

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The knowledge that Indians have about Israel is quite limited, and the same holds for Israelis, who seem to have minimal understanding of Hindu customs and traditions.

Having interacted with many Jewish visitors in Varanasi, the holiest city for Hindus and a popular destination for foreign tourists, I have observed that there are numerous misconceptions about each other’s religions among the people of these two nations.

Without addressing and resolving these misunderstandings, the possibility of building stronger, more meaningful relations between India and Israel remains uncertain.

Swastika: Misunderstood Sacred Symbol

Myth:

The Swastika and the Nazi symbol (Hakenkreuz) are identical.

Reality:

• The Swastika, a symbol of auspiciousness and positivity, has been part of Indian culture for over 8000 years. Archaeological finds from Mohenjodaro and Harappa confirm its use in the Indus Valley Civilization.
• It is second only to Om in importance for Hindus and is commonly seen in homes, temples, and on vehicles as a mark of good fortune.

The Nazi Hakenkreuz, on the other hand, became synonymous with hatred and genocide. The Jewish community’s traumatic association with this symbol, due to the Holocaust, makes it understandably distressing for them.

This misunderstanding is further fueled by Indian English media, which is often accused of bias against Israel and Hindu symbols. However, this media does not represent the sentiment of the Indian population, which largely supports Israel, as seen on social media platforms.

Incorporating Historical Context in Education

Both nations can use their school curriculums to educate their citizens about each other’s cultures and shared histories:

For Israel:

a) The long-standing relationship between India and the Jewish community, starting from the Roman era when Jews found refuge in India.

b) The story of King Jam Saheb Digvijaysinh Jadeja of Gujarat, who sheltered Polish Jewish children during World War II, treating them as his own family for nine years.

For India:

a) Teaching children about the ancient history of Israel and the struggles leading to its establishment as a nation.

b) Educating about the sacred nature of Jewish symbols like the Star of David and the shared values of resilience and coexistence.

Promoting Cultural Exchange

Encouraging academic and cultural exchanges between the two nations can help dispel stereotypes and foster deeper understanding.

Leveraging Social Media for Positive Narratives

Social media, where Indians and Israelis have shown solidarity, can be a powerful tool for spreading accurate information and debunking misconceptions.

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A New Chapter in Relations

The growing cooperation between India and Israel holds immense potential not only for geopolitical stability but also for uniting efforts against global threats like terrorism. Strengthening this partnership through understanding and cultural appreciation can pave the way for a robust alliance rooted in shared values and mutual respect.