Indian Army contingent flies to Israel to take part in centenary celebrations of liberation of Haifa

A contingent of the Indian Army's 61 Cavalry based here flew to Israel on Tuesday to participate in the centenary celebrations of liberation of Haifa by the Indian troops.

The nine-men contingent is being led by Major Arpit Rathee, defence spokesperson Colonel Sombit Ghosh said.

The contingent flew to Israel from New Delhi.

A mounted cavalry force comprising the Jodhpur Lancers, the Hyderabad Lancers and the Mysore Lancers had liberated the city of Haifa from the occupation of Turkey in an unparalleled mounted cavalry charge a hundred years ago.

"A large number of soldiers from Rajasthan including the leader of the charge Major Dalpat Singh had laid down their lives in the bold action. Present day 61 Cavalry Regiment is the new avatar of amalgamation of the Jodhpur and Mysore Lancers and hence the custodian of this great historical heritage," he said.

Haifa Day is celebrated by the government of Israel in September every year.

Being the centenary year of liberation, the celebrations have gained special relevance this year. Multiple celebrations have been planned in Israel, Delhi and Jaipur in the coming weeks, he said.

The famous Teen Murti Memorial in Delhi has been recently rechristened as Teen Murti-Haifa Memorial by the Indian government to pay obeisance to the brave Indian soldiers who fought in this historical battle.

The contingent will participate in a series of events which will culminate with wreath laying at the Hindu Cemetery, a memorial to acknowledge the sacrifice of the Indian soldiers in the battle of Haifa, located at Mount Carmel in Haifa city.