**Israel’s Haifa to Revise Textbooks; Credit Indian Soldiers for Liberation**

*By Chanshimla Varah | Sep 29, 2025, 05:05 PM*

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The Israeli city of Haifa is set to revise its history textbooks to properly credit Indian soldiers for liberating the city from Ottoman rule during World War I. This significant announcement was made by Haifa Mayor Yona Yahav at a ceremony honoring fallen Indian soldiers at their cemetery in Haifa.

“In every school, we are changing the texts and saying that it wasn’t the British but the Indians who liberated us,” Yahav stated.

### Challenging Historical Narratives

Mayor Yahav revealed that as children, residents were constantly told the city was freed by the British, a claim now proven inaccurate. “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,” he added.

### Indians’ Historic Role in Haifa’s Liberation

September 23 is celebrated by the Indian Army as Haifa Day, commemorating the bravery of the Mysore, Hyderabad, and Jodhpur Lancers, who played a crucial role in liberating Haifa. During World War I, Indian cavalry battalions, armed with spears and swords, drove Ottoman forces from the rocky slopes of Mount Carmel. This event 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 exceptional bravery during the operation.

### Honoring the Sacrifice of Indian Soldiers

Over 74,000 Indian soldiers sacrificed their lives during World War I, with more than 4,000 in the West Asia theater alone. Their memory is honored at several memorials across Israel, including sites in Haifa, Jerusalem, and Ramle.

To further honor their bravery, a project called “The India Trail” is being established in Israel through collaboration between the Embassy of India and Israeli authorities.

### Strengthening Diplomatic Ties

In a gesture symbolizing friendship, India renamed 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.

The 61st cavalry unit also sent a contingent to participate in centenary celebrations held in Israel in 2018, further cementing the shared history between the two nations.

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This revision of textbooks and ongoing commemorative efforts reflect a growing recognition of Indian soldiers’ vital role in Haifa’s liberation, ensuring that history records their bravery accurately for future generations.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/indians-not-british-liberated-haifa-israeli-city-to-correct-schoolbooks/story