Haifa Day – Indian soldiers fought and liberated first city of Israel
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Haifa Day, commemorates the liberation of the city of Haifa (modern day Israel) by the Indian Army during the World War I. It holds significant importance for Israel and the Jewish community. The liberation of Haifa ensured the safety of the Jewish community living in the city, who were under threat from the Ottoman and Nazi German forces.
Today, The city of Haifa forms part of the Haifa metropolitan area, the third-most populous metropolitan area in Israel.[3] It is home to the Baháʼí Faith‘s Baháʼí World Centre, and is a UNESCOWorld Heritage Site and a destination for Baháʼí pilgrimage.[4] Interestingly, the liberation of Haifa also had a significant impact on the Baha’i community, as ‘Abdu’l-Baha, the son of the Founder of the Baha’i Faith, was residing in Haifa at the time and was under threat from the Turkish forces. The Indian Army’s victory helped ensure his safety.
Bahai Temple in Haifa Israel
Significance of Haifa Day for Israel and Jewish community
Historical Significance
1. *End of Ottoman Rule*: The Indian Army’s victory marked the end of Ottoman rule in Haifa, paving the way for the British Mandate and eventually, the establishment of the State of Israel.
2. *Protection of Jewish Community*: The liberation of Haifa ensured the safety of the Jewish community living in the city, who were under threat from the Ottoman forces.
Symbolic Importance
1. *India-Israel Relations*: Haifa Day symbolizes the historic bond between India and Israel, highlighting the Indian Army’s contribution to the Jewish people’s struggle for independence.
2. *Gratitude and Appreciation*: The day serves as an expression of gratitude from the Jewish community to the Indian Army for their bravery and selflessness.
Bravery of Indian Army in liberating Haifa
This victory was made possible by the courageous uphill assault of the Jodhpur Lancers, a unit of the Indian Army, which took the German and Turkish artillery and machine gun emplacements by surprise.¹ ² ³ In India, Haifa Day is celebrated annually to honour the Indian soldiers who fought in this battle. The commemoration includes events and ceremonies, such as the one held at the Teen Murti Haifa Chowk in New Delhi, which recognizes the contributions of Indian soldiers in World War I.⁴
Teen Murti (three statues) Memorial built in 1922, outside Teen Murti Bhavan, which gives the building its name
The Indian Army’s actions in clearing the bridge to Haifa Port on September 23, 1918, were a testament to their bravery and tactical prowess. Here’s a detailed account of their actions:
The Objective
The Indian Army’s 15th Imperial Service Cavalry Brigade, comprising the Jodhpur Lancers, Mysore Lancers, and Hyderabad Lancers, was tasked with capturing the town of Haifa and securing the port. The bridge over the Kishon River was a critical objective, as it provided the only access to the port.
Map showing Indian cemetery in Haifa
The Enemy’s Position
The Ottoman forces, supported by German troops, had heavily fortified the bridge and surrounding areas. They had placed machine guns, artillery, and riflemen to defend the bridge, making it a formidable obstacle for the Indian cavalry.
The Indian Army’s Plan
Major Dalpat Singh, commanding the Jodhpur Lancers, devised a bold plan to capture the bridge. He decided to lead a small detachment of lancers in a surprise attack on the bridge, while the rest of the brigade provided covering fire from a distance.
The Charge
At 8:00 AM on September 23, Major Dalpat Singh led the charge with 16-20 Jodhpur Lancers. They galloped towards the bridge, lances in hand, and swords drawn. The Ottoman and German forces were caught off guard, and their machine guns and artillery were initially ineffective against the fast-moving cavalry.
Clearing the Bridge
As the Indian lancers approached the bridge, they encountered fierce resistance. However, they quickly overpowered the enemy, using their lances and swords to devastating effect. The bridge was soon cleared, and the Indian lancers established a foothold on the other side.
Securing the Port
With the bridge secure, the rest of the Indian cavalry brigade crossed over and began to clear the surrounding areas. They quickly overran the Ottoman and German positions, securing the port and the town of Haifa.
Aftermath
The Indian Army’s bravery and sacrifice in clearing the bridge to Haifa Port were instrumental in securing a crucial victory. The Ottoman and German forces suffered heavy casualties, and the Indian Army took over 1,350 prisoners. The capture of Haifa marked a significant turning point in the campaign, paving the way for the eventual defeat of the Ottoman Empire.
The Indian Army’s actions in clearing the bridge to Haifa Port are still remembered today as a testament to their courage, discipline, and tactical prowess.
Commemoration and Celebration
1. *Annual Ceremony*: An annual ceremony is held at the Haifa Cemetery, where Indian soldiers who died during the battle are buried.
2. *Teen Murti Haifa Chowk*: In New Delhi, India, a memorial, Teen Murti Haifa Chowk, was unveiled in 2018 to commemorate the Indian Army’s role in liberating Haifa.
3. *Israel-India Diplomatic Ties*: Haifa Day is also seen as an opportunity to strengthen diplomatic ties between Israel and India, highlighting their shared history and cultural heritage.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and the Prime Minister of Israel, Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu unveiling the plaque to commemorate Indian Soldiers led by Maj Dalpat Singh who fought to liberate Haifa, in Israel on July 06, 2017.
After the battle, Major General Dalpat Singh Shekhavat was awarded the Military Cross.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. This officer, accompanied only by his trumpeter, charged an entrenched machine gun killing and scattering the crew and capturing the gun. At the same time he captured the commandant of a regiment and another officer.
