Jerusalem, Apr 14 (PTI) The profound courage shown by Gujarat’s Maharaja Jam Saheb in saving thousands of hapless young children during the Second World War proved that compassion transcends borders, India’s Ambassador to Israel said at a ceremony to mark Holocaust Remembrance Day.
Speaking at the Holocaust Remembrance Ceremony organised by the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) on Monday, Ambassador JP Singh shared the story of the profound courage of Jam Saheb of Nawanagar (now called Jamnagar in the state of Gujarat).
During World War II, the Maharaja emerged as an unlikely saviour rescuing around a thousand Polish children, some of them Jews.
He adopted the children and built a home for them in 1942 at “Balachadi”, saving them from the horrors of the war. “In the darkest chapters of history, humanity still found a way”, Singh pointed out.
“By opening his doors to save hundreds of Polish and Jewish children from the horrors of WWII, Maharaja proved that compassion transcends borders”, the Indian envoy said.
Israel observed a two-minute silence to pay respect to six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust at 10 AM on Monday, when the whole country came to a standstill as sirens wailed in every nook and corner of the Jewish state.
People stood in silence wherever they were, and drivers pulled their cars to the side and came out standing in silence to mourn the death of those lost.
In a moving tribute to Jam Saheb, described by many as the “Indian Schindler”, a statue of the legendary figure was unveiled in Israel’s southern Moshav (community of farmers) of Nevatim last year in November in recognition of his efforts to rescue hapless Polish Children during World War II, including some Jews.
He was honoured by the Indian Jewish Heritage Centre (IJHC) and Cochini Jewish Heritage Centre(CJHC) for his ‘exemplary compassion’ during the war.
On March 11 last year, the Polish Government commemorated him as the “Good Maharaja”, and he has also been awarded the Commander’s Cross in recognition of his outstanding service in protecting the children.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also thanked the people of Israel for the noble gesture during his address to the Israeli Knesset (parliament) on February 25 this year. PTI HM RD RD RD
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