Israeli city turns into mini-India

EILAT (South Israel), APRIL 2. One of the most attractive tourist spots in Israel, the city of Eilat with a small population on the country's southern tip nowadays looks like a mini-India as over 1,000 Indian naval personnel on a goodwill mission can be seen almost everywhere.

Dressed in white naval uniforms, the stockily-built men, hailing from all parts of India, can be seen walking around beautiful beaches of the city, market places, bus stations, sitting under palm trees or eating Israeli `Felafel', the most popular snack here, at roadside.

``It looks so beautiful to see so many Indians in white in this small city, they look almost marching through beaches, they look so musical,'' said Yakob, a shopkeeper who immediately plays the popular `Dil To Pagal Hai' song whenever the men in uniform pass by.

Walking in groups, they are distinct from a long distance as their white uniforms stand out in contrast.

Over 1,000 officers and sailors are in Israel aboard three warships on a goodwill visit here as guests of Israeli navy and Ministry of Defence.

``First day I was scared on seeing so many people who looked like defence personnel of another country but they are so warm,'' a local resident said.

A good number of Jews of Indian origin live in and around Eilat and for them it is an opportunity to mingle with people of their origin.

``I have never seen so many Indians at one place in Israel before. It seems like I am in Mumbai,'' said Mr. Jerry, an Israeli Jew whose parents had migrated to Israel.

The Chief of Logistics with the Israeli navy, said that apart from professional experience it was an opportunity for him to learn about Indian culture, society and people.

And for Indian naval personnel it is an enriching experience - to be in a meticulously developed city.

``We have been to Egypt also, but this city looks so mesmerisingly beautiful and clean with its quite parks, lovely beaches and lines of palm trees,'' a personnel said.

``Wherever we go, Israelis want to talk to us and many of them either have been to India or want to go there,'' another said.

Of late, there has been a craze among many young Israelis about India with nearly 20,000 of them visiting the country every year. Indian films, music, food and clothes are becoming increasingly popular here.

- PTI

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Section  : International
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