As he made a rare appearance at an exhibition in Jerusalem exhibiting Indian deities and temple rituals, Israeli President Isaac Herzog said that India and Israel are natural allies who are connected by a fundamental devotion to the democratic ideas upon which they were formed.
On Thursday evening, Herzog participated in a cultural event at the Israel Museum to mark the opening of the new exhibition “Body of Faith: Sculpture from the National Museum of India.” He described the exhibition as a result of the two countries’ burgeoning friendship.
“India and Israel are natural allies because we share a fundamental commitment to the democratic principles that guided the founding of both of our countries. However, this evening goes beyond politics, business, and even diplomacy, he added.
Herzog, who made a rare visit because of “his love for India,” said, “This evening shines a light on our shared humanity while paying honour to the rich history and cultural legacy of the Indian people.”
The Israeli President emphasised that “this exhibition, translated literally as “spirit within matter” in Hebrew, is yet another outcome of the expanding friendship between the Indian and Israeli nations and a reflection of the profound resonance of arts and culture that our nations share.
A representative for the Israel Museum was quoted by news agency PTI whom he said that the display features 14 beautiful large-scale Indian sculptures produced between the fourth and twelfth centuries, some on loan from the National Museum in New Delhi and some from the Israel Museum’s collection.
Given the Biblical references to spices and scents of Indian origin such neradh oil, ahaal aromatic wood, and cinnamon, among others, which were seen as necessary for religious rituals during the Temple eras in Jerusalem, the exhibition taking place there has a unique significance.
To further increase the intellectual wealth of the on display exhibits, the six-month exhibition will also feature a number of academic presentations and special lecture demonstrations by chosen artists from India.
Herzog emphasised that the exhibition brings to Israel historical artefacts that have never before left India. This is a first for the Israel Museum and the National Museum.
“What a pleasure and an honour it is. The Israeli President said, “I had the honour of visiting the exhibition, and it is really incredible. “Thanks to this collaboration, we have the honour of hosting magnificent statues and a thousand of Hindu culture. The brilliance and dynamism of a Hindu religion that has profoundly influenced the collective human consciousness and sparked the imagination and interest of people all over the world are reflected in these masterpieces, which span three distinct periods in Indian history with remarkable precision, he said.
The Israeli leader also mentioned how many of his citizens travel to India every year to see the “rich experiences that broaden our horizons as a society” and how they are enthralled by the “unique gifts that Hinduism has shared with humanity.”
“This exhibition gives us in Israel the chance to gaze beyond of our own borders. It gives us a broader respect and comprehension of human history from the prehistoric to the current day, he said.
The Israeli President addressed the crowded Israel Museum auditorium, saying, “This is a great gift to the people of Israel, and I have no doubt the important artefacts presented here will enhance the lives of all who witness them.”
The first gathering was hailed by Herzog as a “marvellous evening of culture, history, and friendship.”
(With inputs from PTI)
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