In a moment that bridged cultures and languages, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a heartfelt message in Hebrew to Israeli President Isaac Herzog during his official visit to Jerusalem. ‘Am Yisrael Chai’ – meaning ‘Long live the people of Israel’ – echoed from Modi’s lips in a touching 10-second video that has captured global attention.
President Herzog, visibly moved, responded with equal warmth, declaring, ‘You are wonderful, and in response to your Am Yisrael Chai, I say Jai Hind.’ The exchange, shared on social media platform X, symbolizes the unbreakable bond between India and Israel. Herzog captioned it noting that together, the people of both nations are stronger.
PM Modi reposted Herzog’s message, expressing full agreement and highlighting discussions on technology, innovation, startups, and collaborative opportunities. He also thanked the president for joining him in planting a tree under the ‘One Tree in the Name of Mother’ initiative, a gesture underscoring shared environmental commitments.
Modi’s itinerary included a poignant visit to the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial, where he paid tribute to the victims of one of humanity’s darkest chapters. Describing it as a stark reminder of the need to preserve human dignity and peace, Modi extended gratitude to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for facilitating the visit.
The two-day trip, concluding on Thursday, featured high-level engagements that reinforced bilateral ties. Upon arrival, Netanyahu and his wife Sara personally welcomed Modi at the airport. In a historic first, Modi addressed Israel’s Knesset, becoming the first Indian PM to do so, and received the prestigious Speaker of the Knesset Medal.
Netanyahu hailed Modi as a ‘true friend and brother,’ recounting their ‘Modi hug’ and praising him as one of the world’s great leaders. The visit trended atop X, reflecting widespread admiration for this diplomatic milestone that promises deeper India-Israel partnership in defense, tech, and beyond.