Maharashtra day in Israel

Jai Maharashtra! Jai Israel! Jai Hind!

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'Maharashtra Day' in Israel
PTI[ TUESDAY, MAY 03, 2005 01:41:11 AM ]

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LOD (Israel): The Indian Jewish community in Israel has celebrated 'Maharashtra Day' with a pledge to strengthen political and cultural ties with their country of origin.


Hundreds of Indian Jews, who immigrated from Maharashtra and are commonly referred to as Bene Israel, descended to this small town near Tel Aviv to participate in a day-long cultural programme in Marathi. "We are proud of our Indian heritage. With Israel chosen among the countries where people of Indian origin will be extended dual citizenship, this sentiment will hopefully soon get a new meaning," said Noah Massil, president of Central Organisation of Indian Jews in Israel and editor of Marathi journal 'Maiboli'.

Thanking the Indian government, Massil said, "We haven't forgotten how we were treated in India where there was no trace of anti-semitism. We have brought with us a message of love and peaceful existence to Israel." Indian ambassador to Israel, Arun Kumar Singh, greeting the community on the occasion in Marathi got a rousing welcome. There are about 70,000 Jews of Indian origin living in Israel.