Shivaji statue to be installed in Israel, a proud moment, says Maharashtra CM 

MUMBAI: The Israeli Consulate General in India has announced plans to install a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Israel. This is part of bringing to light the neglected relationship between Jews and India. The announcement was made on the occasion of Shiv Rajyabhishek Din, the coronation anniversary of Shivaji Maharaj.

The decision to install the statue was taken in view of the historical connection that the Bene Israelite community of India had with the Maratha army and their navy.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described the announcement as historic and proud. At a time when Jews were facing threats from other places, India was one of the few countries where they lived without facing any kind of persecution. They were also members of Shivaji's army. Later, they were part of the British and Indian armies.

‘The ties between India and the Jewish people are centuries old. We sought the cooperation of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to build a memorial in keeping with the Maharaja's legacy, and he readily agreed. We believe that the statue will stand as a symbol of the close ties between India and Israel. Such a memorial would be very meaningful, given the ties between Maharashtra and the Indian Jewish community,’ said Israeli Consul General Yaniv Revach.