In a video message shared on X on Sunday, Israel’s ambassador in India, Reuven Azar, wished the country a happy Diwali. “Diwali is a celebration of light over darkness and good over evil,” the ambassador wrote, adding that the festival carries a “timeless and universal message of hope and renewal.”
He explained that this year feels special in Israel because the remaining hostages held by Hamas have finally been reunited with their families. “We are especially grateful,” Azar said. “Being together in Israel lets us feel the spirit of togetherness even in difficult times.”
The Diwali season began with Dhanteras on Saturday, a day known for big shopping sprees across the country. Record sales crossed ₹1 lakh crore (about $12 billion) in total trade, with gold and silver alone accounting for over ₹60 000 crore. Delhi’s markets recorded more than ₹10 000 crore in transactions, reflecting a surge in demand for locally made goods, CAIT reports.
On Oct. 13, Israel announced that Hamas no longer holds any living Israeli hostage. The second group of 13 released that day had been in captivity for over two years. Earlier, seven Israeli men—Gali and Ziv Berman, Matan Angrest, Alon Ohel, Omri Miran, Eitan Mor, and Guy Gilboa‑Dallal—came home after 738 days, when the Red Cross handed them to Israeli forces.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) posted on X that the returning men have met with its troops and the Shin Bet security service in the Gaza Strip and are on their way back to Israel. “IDF commanders and soldiers salute and embrace the returnees,” the IDF said. The spokesperson asked the public to respect the privacy of the returnees and to follow official updates, noting that more hostages might be released later.
Thousands of Israelis gathered at the Nova site for holiday prayer services, a place that was the target of a Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023. The community remains vigilant, but the return of hostages brings a sense of relief and hope to the nation.
Israel and India share a strong diplomatic relationship, and Diwali is a time to celebrate unity, resilience, and the power of light to overcome darkness.
Source: ianslive
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