Significance of Haifa Cemetery that PM Modi visited in Israel: 5 things to know

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today saluted the Indian soldiers who laid down their lives during the World War I while protecting the Israeli city of Haifa.

HAIFA: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday saluted the Indian soldiers who laid down their lives during the World War I while protecting the Israeli city of Haifa from the Ottoman Empire forces and said the sacrifices made by them is a mark of enduring bond between the two nations. Modi visited the Indian cemetery in Haifa along with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu on the last day of his visit to Israel and laid wreaths at the site. Significance of Haifa Cemetery 

1. The Battle of Haifa was fought on 23 September 1918 during the last months of the Sinai and Palestine Campaign of the First World War. Israel didn't exist at that time.
2. During the Battle of Haifa, the Indian 15th (Imperial Service) Cavalry Brigade, a part of the allied forces sweeping northwards through Palestine 5th Cavalry Division attacked rearguard forces of the Ottoman Empire - the Turks.
3. During the battle, the Indian troops under British Army exhibited exemplary cavalry skills and bravery in a successful cavalry charge which finally culminated in the liberation of Haifa from the Turks. The brigade that fought in Hifa consisted of forces from three states- Jodhpur, Mysore and Hyderabad.
4. Captain Aman Singh Bahadur and Dafadar Jor Singh were awarded the Indian Order of Merit and Captain Anop Singh and Second Lt. Sagat Singh were awarded the Military Cross in recognition of their bravery in this battle. Major Dalpat Singh, who received the Military Cross, is known in the annals of history a" the "Hero of"Haifa" for his critical role in the battle.
5. The Indian Army celebrates September 23 as Haifa Day every year. In 1922, three statues (Teen Murti) in Delhi were installed to remember the contribution of the Indian Cavalry Brigade jawans in the battle of Haifa

"I am deeply honoured to stand here today to salute the valiant Indian soldiers, who led down their lives for the liberation of Haifa during the WW I," Modi wrote in the guest book during his visit to Haifa Cemetery on Thursday. "The exceptional bravery and supreme sacrifice of Major Thakur Dalpat Singh MC, the "Hero of Haifa" and his men, will be remembered forever and continue to inspire generations to come. Next year, the centenary of the battle of Haifa will present another opportunity to mark this enduring bond between India and Israel," he wrote.