Indians Celebrate Independence Day in Israel
Report and pics from Wilson D'Souza Kulshekar( Israel)

Aug 15 : The 62 nd Independence  day of India was celebrated at the Embassy Residence at Herzliya Pituach in Israel on 15 th August 2008 . The eventful ceremony was witnessed by a gathering of over  400 people which comprised of Jews  of Indian origin, Indian  expatriates  ,  Army personnel , the Indian Business Community ,Indian Students, the Embassy Staff and their families and well wishers.

The Indian Ambassador to Israel, HE Arun Kumar Singh hoisted the tri-colour and addressed the gathering. First Secretary  Sharadh Shrivastav and Second Secretary Mr. Dalith Singh and President of the Konkani catholic Sanghatan Steevan D’mello and the president of Indian Community in  Israel , Brayan were present on the occasion.

A cultural programme was organised , which included a dance from the Israel based Indian Jewish group . " Namaste India " and other patriotic Songs in Hindi and Malayalam were sung by the Indian Jewish  group . Sharadh Shrivastav compered the programme . An Indian breakfast was served to the gathering .

To commemorate the feast of the " Assumption of Mother Mary" the Konkani Catholic Sanghatan in Israel   organised a Konkani mass followed by a cultural programme in the evening.