04.04.2023 : Israel Parliament Speaker and delegation
Israel Parliament Speaker and delegation
At the outset I extend heartiest welcome to Your Excellency Mr Amir Ohana, Speaker of Israeli Parliament – Knesett – to Maharashtra and to the city of Mumbai.
I am delighted that Excellency is visiting the city of Mumbai where there are many places associated with Jewish Culture and Heritage.
You will be happy to know that there is a train station named after a Jewish Synagogue. It is called Masjid.
Masjid is not mosque. But it is the Jewish Synagogue located next to the main station in Mumbai.
Mumbai also has an Israleli Mohalla.
A large number of members of the Jewish community have contributed to the making of modern Mumbai.
India has been the birthplace of many faiths and religions. It has nourished many other religions. While Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism were founded here; Islam, Judaism and Christianity were warmly welcomed.
Members of the Jewish community have been living in Maharashtra for hundreds of years. They were never exposed to hatred, discrimination or persecution.
India has welcomed diverse thoughts and ideas. These thoughts and religions have enriched and enhanced the philosophical debate in the country.
We consider the Jews as the Jewels of India. They are the pride of Maharashtra.
The Jews of India have made important contributions to various walks of life in India, whether it is in the field of education, health, finance, commerce, industry and also film industry.
Maharshtra has been a home to the Marathi-speaking Bene-Israeli Jews in the Konkan region of Maharashtra.
We feel sad that there are only about 4,000 Jews in India.
We are keen to preserve and protect the rich Jewish heritage in India.
The Jews of India are goodwill ambassadors of India in strengthening our relations with Israel.
Since 1992, the year diplomatic relations between India and Israel were established, our political, commercial and cultural relations have been growing stronger.
Today a majority of people of India have very little knowledge about the Jewish community, its customs and traditions and its contributions to various walks of life.
We need the cooperation of Israel in building strong people to people relations between India and Israel.
Since the upgradation of relations in 1992, defence and agriculture formed the two main pillars of our bilateral engagement.
With the arrival of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014, the relations between India and Israel have become strongest like never before.
We admire Israel for its progress in Agriculture, Water conservation, water recycling, Irrigation, Drip Irrigation, Start Up Revolution, discipline, military training.
We are amazed that many people from Israel and many members of the Jewish community have won Noble prizes in various disciplines.
Raj Bhavan had the honour of hosting Israeli leader Shimon Perez and also President Reuven Rivlin.
Many tourists from Israel visit India, but less people come to Maharashtra. We want more Israelis to visit Maharashtra in large numbers.
Trade in diamonds constitutes close to 40% of bilateral trade. India is Israel’s third largest trade partner in Asia and seventh largest globally.
Indian software companies, notably TCS, Infosys,
Tech Mahindra and Wipro, are beginning to expand their presence in the Israeli market.
India is youngest nation in the world. Many countries are ageing. But we need Israel’s help in skilling our people.
As Governor, I am Chancellor of 25 Universities and we need your cooperation to promote University level cooperation between Maharashtra and Israel.
There are approximately 85,000 Jews of Indian-origin in Israel.
I am happy that Israelis living there are connected to the culture of Maharashtra. They are a bridge between our great nations.
Mumbai is home to many beautiful Synagogues. I want you to see these places which are symbols of India’s culture of cooperation and respect for all faiths.
I wish you a happy and pleasant visit to India.