In a landmark gesture highlighting the deep friendship between India and Israel, Israel’s Consul General, Yaniv Revach, announces an initiative to establish a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Israel, a project being advanced in close cooperation with the Government of Maharashtra. He also expressed his sincere appreciation to Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis for his enthusiastic support and commitment to helping bring this historic initiative to life, reflecting the mutual respect and admiration between the peoples of India and Israel.
The announcement was made during the Consulate General of Israel’s celebration of Israel’s 78th Independence Day, held at The St. Regis Mumbai, where the Hon’ble Minister of Culture, Shri Ashish Shelar, attended as Guest of Honour alongside senior government officials, diplomats, business leaders, media representatives, cultural figures, and friends of Israel from across Western India. The Israel Ministry of Tourism team in Mumbai, led by Galit Hoffman, Consul for Tourism Affairs, also participated in the event.
This year’s celebration highlighted the growing friendship between Israel and India through a unique combination of cuisine, music and shared creativity.
A special culinary collaboration featured renowned Israeli chef Avi Razon, who worked together with the culinary team of The St. Regis Mumbai to create an exclusive menu combining Israeli flavours with premium Indian ingredients, offering guests a unique fusion of both culinary traditions.
The evening also featured a unique performance by JAMAN, an Israeli ensemble that combines music, rhythm, lights and movement. Guests received specially designed drumsticks and became active participants in a dynamic show that blended Israeli and Indian symbols, culture and traditions in a shared celebration of creativity and friendship.
Commenting on the occasion, Consul General Yaniv Revach said: “As we celebrate Israel’s 78th Independence Day, we also celebrate the strong and growing friendship between Israel and India. The initiative to establish a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Israel reflects our deep respect for India’s heritage and the close ties between our peoples.”
The Consul General also highlighted Israel’s resilience and continued success despite the challenges of recent years, emphasising the strength of Israeli society, its innovation-driven economy, and the growing cooperation between Israel and India across different fields.
Hon’ble Minister of Cultural Affairs, Government of Maharashtra, Shri Ashish Shelar, said: “On Israel’s 78th Independence Day, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the people of Israel. India and Israel share a strong partnership founded on trust, innovation, and mutual respect. Maharashtra takes special pride in its historic ties with the Bene Israel community, which symbolizes the deep cultural bond between our peoples. May the friendship between India, Maharashtra, and Israel continue to flourish and create new avenues for cooperation and shared progress.”
This year’s celebration demonstrated how food, music and shared experiences can bring people closer together and reflected the deep and growing friendship between the peoples of Israel and India.
