Israeli minister wishes Indians on Diwali, invokes 'shared values' of democracy

Extending Diwali greetings to Indian people, the minister said that Israel and India share the values of democracy, freedom, and a vision for a brighter future.

In Short

• Israeli Minister Israel Katz wishes people of India on Diwali
• Academic institutions in Israel decked up for Diwali celebrations
• Nearly 20,000 Indians working in Israel celebrate festival of lights

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz on Thursday extended greetings to Indians on Diwali, stressing that his country shares the values of democracy, freedom, and a vision of a brighter future like India.

"My friend @DrSJaishankar, I wish you and the people of India a #HappyDiwali2024! Israel and India share the values of democracy, freedom, and a vision for a brighter future," Katz said in a post on social media platform X.

"May this Festival of Light bring us all joy, prosperity, and peace," the Israeli foreign minister added.

"Deepawali ki haardik shubhkamnayen," he further wrote in Hindi.

Academic institutions across Israel seem to be decked up for Diwali celebrations, with Indian researchers forming the bulk of the overseas student community in the country.

Some 18-20,000 Indians working in Israel are also celebrating the festival of lights.