After a delay of 69 years an Indian Prime Minister representing 1250 million people visited Israel a nation of 8.5 million. Such a historic visit has spread reverberations not only in the regions of the two countries but world wide.
We at Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar are especially delighted that way back in June 1977 when Indian PM Morarji Desai came on a State Visit to UK. We were privileged to submit a memorandum “why India need to establish full diplomatic relationship with the state of Israel." Up until then there was a trade mission of Israel in Bombay (now Mumbai).
This Memorandum was prepared by Chotu Karadia and Robert Govinder, two senior journalists of New life, forerunner of the Asian Voice, with valuable inputs from Leicester MP Greville Jenner, who was a leading light of the Board of Deputies of the British Jews.
Several prominent Jewish MPs of all main British political parties have sacrificed their careers in the government, perhaps because they stood by their Jewishness or especially with the State of Israel in the most challenging circumstances.
PM Modi's visit to Israel was expected in some quarters as soon as he became the PM, little over three years ago. As the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Modi had visited Israel and established a close friendship with several leaders from all political backgrounds there.
NaMo is always known for doing things in his own way. Prior to his visit to Jerusalem recently, seven delegations from Indian government visited Israel for advanced preparations. M J Akbar, Minister of State for External Affairs led one of the high power delegation for preparatory discussions.
India has a close diplomatic, economic and other historic relationships with Iran, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt as well as other major players in the Middle East. It is noteworthy that PM Modi visited some of these countries and the Kings, Presidents, Amirs, Sheikhs and other top leaders of these countries have visited India in the last three years.
Such an elaborate preparation has resulted in the wake of a very fruitful visit of PM Modi, with no adverse reaction, even in the mildest form eminating from the Gulf area. Why?
On one hand India led by Modi prepared well, laying the ground work. In today's world not only Egypt but Saudi Arabia and the Palestine Authority are in a way playing balls with USA.
This, relatively, a very tiny geographical mass which rose from rubbles to a flourishing country with major economy, technology and strong defence is going to play a complimentary role for mutual benefit with the partnership of India.
British Asians not only of Indian origin have been inspired, assisted and helped by the British Jews. Thirty years ago Abdul Shamji Gomba, Najmu Virani, Gulam Noon and several other entrepreneurs were given helping hands by the British Jews. After all religion is a personal matter. Isn't it?
At the same time British Jews are not more than 300,000, and in spite of the Board, more and more Jews are becoming secular and marrying non Jews. A small number they may be, they are top performers in business, commerce, science, art, entertainment, media, technology, law and especially philanthropy.
Several prominent Jews had to withstand enormous pressure or suffer indignities for no other reason but for being a Jew or having attachment for the state of Israel. The labour MP for Liverpool Wavertree, Luciana Berger, comes to my mind. She is a very articulate, moderate and diplomatic person. Jeremy Corbyn became the leader and Luciana had to leave the front bench position. I need not elaborate more but I would like to note here that she is a former head of Labour Friends of Israel and her commitment is not just on paper.
There are Labour friends of India, Conservative friends of India as well a Lib Dem Friends of India. They are there. Their leaders are feted by the communities here as well as in India. They may give glowing tributes to India or the Indian community within the four walls of a meeting place. Do they need to stop at that only?
They are not expected to side with India on every issue. After all they represent their constituencies and they are a member of the British Parliament, but when terrorists strike at pilgrims in Jammu and Kashmir, why is there complete silence from all of them?
Their common humanity or anti-terrorist stand stops at the border of UK only. When in the Lords and Commons, some misguided colleague of their's make unfounded provocative and insulting comments about India to please their vocal constituents, why do these 'friends' remain so silent? Perhaps in time to come, community members and supporters of theses leaders in business will take notice and corrective steps?
- CB
