New Delhi, June 6: A statue and memorial of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj will be established in Israel, as announced by Israeli Consul General Yaniv Revach. He stated that the statue will symbolize the friendship between India and Israel. Additionally, he defended Israel’s security actions against attacks from Lebanon.
During a recent interaction, Revach extended his best wishes to the people of India on the occasion of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s coronation ceremony, acknowledging its significance. He expressed his admiration for the shared historical struggles of both nations, noting that Jews fought for decades to reclaim their land and establish their state.
Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel in February, a decision was made to inaugurate a significant project in India. Revach mentioned that a budget was allocated to deepen the relationship between the two countries. Instead of a regular cultural activity, they envisioned a goodwill project, leading to the idea of creating a statue of the Indian hero, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, to be sent to Israel.
This statue is set to become a lasting symbol of friendship and inspiration between the people of Israel and India. The idea has also garnered support from Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who expressed his willingness to assist with the project.
Revach elaborated on the plans for the statue, stating that they are in search of a talented artist to create a high-quality representation. Discussions are ongoing with various municipalities in Israel regarding the statue’s placement. Furthermore, they are considering translating a book about Shivaji into Hebrew to educate the Israeli public about his legacy.
He emphasized that this project is about connecting people, marking a departure from typical defense or cultural initiatives. Revach believes it honors the heroism of Shivaji Maharaj and will help foster a deeper understanding of Indian values in Israel.
In response to questions about regional security, Revach addressed concerns regarding Iran’s influence in Lebanon, stating that Hezbollah has been attacking Israeli civilians without justification. He reiterated that Israel seeks peace with the Lebanese people and government, but the ongoing support from Iran for militant groups poses a significant barrier to stability in the region.
The consul general’s remarks highlight the complex interplay of cultural diplomacy and security issues in the context of India-Israel relations.