Jerusalem, Sept 2026 : Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Sunday described India as a “true friend of Israel” while thanking President Droupadi Murmu for extending warm greetings to him and the people of Israel on the occasion of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.
Responding to President Murmu’s message on social media platform X, Herzog expressed gratitude on behalf of the Israeli people and highlighted the enduring friendship between the two countries.
“India is a true friend of Israel,” Herzog said, while wishing President Murmu and the people of India peace, prosperity, good health and harmony.
He added that he hoped the deep bond of friendship between India and Israel would continue to grow and flourish in the coming year.
President Murmu had conveyed her Rosh Hashanah greetings to Herzog and the Jewish community in Israel and around the world on Saturday.
“On behalf of the people of India, I convey heartfelt Rosh Hashanah greetings to you and the Jewish community across Israel and the world,” the President’s Secretariat said in a post on X. She expressed hope that the new year would bring peace, prosperity, good health and renewed hope to all.
The exchange of greetings came amid the close and expanding relationship between India and Israel across several areas.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his greetings to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the people of Israel and Jewish communities worldwide.
“Shana Tova!” Modi wrote on X, wishing Netanyahu and the Jewish community a happy Rosh Hashanah.
The Prime Minister expressed hope that the Jewish New Year would bring peace, hope, good health and continued progress for everyone.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also joined the celebrations by conveying his greetings to Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar. Jaishankar wished peace, prosperity and good health for the people of Israel in the new year.
The coordinated messages from India’s top leadership underline the warm diplomatic ties between New Delhi and Jerusalem and the importance attached to cultural and religious occasions in bilateral engagement.
What is Rosh Hashanah?
Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the Jewish New Year and is traditionally known as the “head of the year.” It is one of the most important occasions in the Jewish calendar and is associated with reflection, prayer, renewal and hope for the year ahead.
The festival is also traditionally linked to the commemoration of the creation of the world. Jewish communities across Israel and around the globe observe the occasion with prayers, family gatherings and traditional customs.
As Israel entered the new year, the exchange of greetings between Indian and Israeli leaders carried a message centred on peace, prosperity, health and renewed hope, while President Herzog’s description of India as a “true friend” reaffirmed the significance of the relationship between the two nations.
