**Israel’s Haifa to Revise Textbooks; Credit Indian Soldiers for Liberation**
*By Chanshimla Varah | Sep 29, 2025, 05:05 pm*
The Israeli city of Haifa has announced plans to revise its history textbooks to recognize the vital role played by Indian soldiers in its liberation from Ottoman rule during World War I. This significant decision was made public by Haifa Mayor Yona Yahav during a ceremony honoring fallen Indian soldiers at their cemetery.
“In every school, we are changing the texts and saying that it wasn’t the British but the Indians who liberated us,” Mayor Yahav stated. He recalled that throughout his childhood, it was commonly believed that the British had freed Haifa, a narrative now challenged by historical research.
“I was born in this city and graduated from here. Constantly we were told that this city was freed by the British, until somebody from the Historical Society knocked at my door one day and said that they have done thorough research and found that it wasn’t the British but the Indians who freed this city,” Yahav added.
**Historical Significance of Indian Soldiers in Haifa’s Liberation**
The Indian Army commemorates September 23 as Haifa Day to honor the Mysore, Hyderabad, and Jodhpur Lancers who played a crucial role in liberating Haifa. During World War I, Indian cavalry battalions wielding spears and swords drove the Ottoman forces from the strategic rocky slopes of Mount Carmel. This battle is regarded by many war historians as “the last great cavalry campaign in history.”
Among the heroes was Major Dalpat Singh, known as the Hero of Haifa, who was awarded for his extraordinary bravery during this operation.
**Commemorative Efforts and Sacrifices**
Over 74,000 Indian soldiers sacrificed their lives in World War I, with more than 4,000 of them falling in West Asia. These brave men are honored at several memorials across Israel, including sites in Haifa, Jerusalem, and Ramle.
To further commemorate their courage, “The India Trail” is being established in Israel through a collaboration between the Embassy of India and Israeli authorities. This initiative aims to highlight the shared history and valor of Indian soldiers in the region.
**A Diplomatic Gesture Strengthening India-Israel Ties**
Reflecting the strong ties between India and Israel, India renamed the Teen Murti Chowk in Israel to “Teen Murti Haifa Chowk” during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit in January 2018. Additionally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Major Dalpat Singh at the Indian cemetery in Haifa during his visit to Israel in July 2017.
In 2018, the 61st cavalry unit sent a contingent to participate in centenary celebrations in Israel, further honoring the historic contributions of Indian soldiers.
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This revision of history textbooks in Haifa signals a meaningful acknowledgment of India’s role in World War I and deepens the enduring friendship between India and Israel.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/indians-not-british-liberated-haifa-israeli-city-to-correct-schoolbooks/story
