Abhinav Deshwar
Contributor
(Abhinav Deshwar is a master’s student at Concordia University. He travelled to Israel in Dec 2024 as part of the student delegation, sponsored by AVI)
As a Hindu student and advocate for Israel, my recent journey to the Holy Land with Allied Voices for Israel (for the Common Ground program) was a profoundly moving experience. Over 10 days, I discovered not only the beauty and resilience of Israel but also a shared connection between Hindus and Jews that dates back centuries.
For over two millennia, India has been a land of refuge and acceptance for Jewish communities. The Bnei Israel, who trace their roots to the time of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, found sanctuary in Maharashtra. The Cochin Jews, who settled in Kerala, contributed immensely to trade and culture, even establishing India’s first synagogues. The Baghdadi Jews, arriving in the 18th century, flourished as merchants and educators in cities like Kolkata and Mumbai. Meanwhile, the Bnei Menashe of northeastern India trace their ancestry to one of the Lost Tribes of Israel.
What makes this history so remarkable is India’s ethos of acceptance. Unlike many other lands, India has never known antisemitism by the native population. Instead, Hindu values of coexistence have allowed Jewish communities to thrive and contribute to the country’s rich heritage. This connection is not just historical; it is living and dynamic. From Lieutenant General J.F.R. Jacob, a Jewish hero of India’s 1971 war, to the friendship between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, the bond between our people is one of mutual respect, cultural exchange, and shared values of resilience and innovation. Cultural icons like Zubin Mehta, the Indian conductor who led the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra for decades, further symbolize this relationship. His music, blending global influence with Indian artistry, resonates deeply with the shared spirit of collaboration between our nations.
During my recent trip to Israel with Allied Voices for Israel, our journey took us through Jerusalem, a city that embodies the very soul of the country. At the Western Wall, I experienced one of the most profound spiritual moments of my life; I was struck by the sacred energy of the place where prayers have risen for centuries. As I touched the ancient stones and whispered my prayers, I felt a deep connection to the unwavering faith that has defined the Jewish people throughout history. It was not just a place of prayer, but a testament to the strength of identity and the sanctity of preserving one’s heritage.
In Rahat, a predominantly Bedouin city, I saw the thriving Arab-Israeli community in action. Meeting Bedouins who proudly serve in Israel’s army and contribute to its economy was eye-opening. It challenged the divisive narratives I’d heard on campuses about so-called segregation in Israel. These communities are proof of how Israel embraces diversity while respecting the cultural identities of its citizens.
Ramle, a city bustling with life, left a lasting impression. Walking through the Ramle Shuk, I saw people from all walks of life—Jews, Muslims, and Christians—sharing spaces and stories. The vibrant market symbolized the coexistence that is so often overlooked in discussions about Israel. It taught me how misleading narratives can overshadow the reality of unity that thrives here.
Visiting the ANU Museum of the Jewish People in Tel Aviv was also transformative. The artifacts, including the Torah case and crown from the Paradesi Synagogue in Cochin, India, connected me to the shared heritage of Hindus and Jews. These pieces, with their intricate craftsmanship and history, spoke of resilience and faith. They reminded me how Jewish communities, even in foreign lands, preserved their identity while contributing to their host societies. This lesson is crucial for advocacy—to emphasize how Israel and Jewish people have always valued coexistence and enriched the places they’ve been part of.
One of the most powerful takeaways from this trip was how it dismantled the myths perpetuated on campuses, particularly in the West. Israel is painted as an apartheid state by many, but the reality couldn’t be further from this falsehood. From the shared spaces of Ramle to the Arab doctors, judges, and parliamentarians I learned about, the truth is evident: Israel is a thriving democracy that embraces diversity and empowers its minorities.
I also learned that effective advocacy isn’t just about countering misinformation—it’s about sharing stories. Stories of coexistence, like the Bedouin women in Rahat gaining independence through vocational training, or the Arab and Jewish communities of Ramle living and working together, are far more impactful than arguments alone.
Overall, this trip didn’t just strengthen my understanding of Israel; it deepened my love and respect for it. As a Hindu, I found a reflection of my own people’s resilience and commitment to preserving their identity. Israel’s story is one of survival, perseverance, and thriving against all odds—a story that deeply resonates with the Hindu experience.
What moved me most was Israel’s spirit of hope and humanity. Despite being surrounded by hostility, Israel continues to innovate, reach out, and extend a hand of peace. For me, this trip reinforced the conviction that supporting Israel isn’t just about defending a nation—it’s about standing for truth, coexistence, and justice.
Every step of this journey strengthened my resolve as a Hindu Zionist. I left Israel not just inspired, but determined to share its story with the world—the story of a nation that defies misconceptions and thrives in unity. This wasn’t just a trip; it was a call to action to advocate for Israel, with a voice that speaks of truth and compassion.
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