New Delhi: Describing the 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai as a "horrendous" event that disrupted public lives, Israeli Ambassador to India, Naor Gilon, emphasized the global nature of terrorism, stating that countries must unite to combat it. He echoed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's sentiments on terrorism and reassured that Israel consistently stands with India in the fight against terrorism.
Addressing the media, Mr. Gilon remarked, "It's a horrendous phenomenon when people come into your safe haven, to your houses in Mumbai to disrupt life, to create panic. They wanted to panic, they wanted to transmit it - exactly like Hamas. Their aim is not only to kill but also to create panic with the surviving, to make them afraid." The 15th anniversary of the 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai, a day that continues to evoke shockwaves and reside in the nation's collective memory, is observed this Sunday.
Mr. Gilon emphasized the unequivocal stance against terrorism, stating, "We are telling the Indians, like India is always standing with Israel, more recently but always. Whenever we need it, India is on our side. Indians have to know, we are on your side. When it comes to fighting terrorism, there are no ifs or buts. We are working together, we will finish terrorism." Notably, six Jews were among the 166 people killed during the attack. Israel recently officially designated Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) as a terror organization, a move initiated without any request from the government of India.
The Israeli envoy highlighted that India and Israel exemplify the fight against terrorism through their actions and friendships. "As PM Modi said rightly so terrorism is a global phenomenon. You have to join hands globally. Countries and free people of the world have to join hands and efforts in order to fight it. I think India and Israel demonstrate in our actions and friendship in what we do together, the joining of these hands to eliminate terrorism," Gilon added.
On November 26, 2008, a group of 10 terrorists carried out coordinated assaults, unleashing terror on the streets of Mumbai and leaving an indelible mark on the nation and the world. The scars of this tragic event persist in the collective memory of witnesses, underscoring the ongoing importance of the lessons learned for global security.
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