At an intimate gathering hosted by Austrian Ambassador to India Katharina Wieser, Israeli Ambassador Reuven Azar praised the long-standing bond between the Jewish and Indian communities, highlighting India’s history of providing refuge to Jews escaping persecution. The event, held at Ambassador Wieser’s residence, celebrated the release of A Rescue in Vienna, authored by Vinay Gupta, whose family played a vital role in rescuing Jewish families fleeing the Nazi regime.
Azar expressed admiration for Gupta’s family, who sheltered Jews escaping from Vienna during the Holocaust. Speaking to ANI, Azar noted the unique relationship between India and Israel, rooted in shared histories of overcoming oppression and celebrating freedom and progress. “India never harbored anti-Semitic sentiments, which encouraged Jews to seek refuge here. Throughout history, Jewish people who fled persecution found safety and acceptance in India,” Azar stated. He emphasized that the bond between Indians and Jews is not only political but deeply rooted in the shared compassion and acceptance between the two communities.
Reflecting on the event, Azar acknowledged the significant role of Gupta’s family in rescuing Jewish families during a period of intense persecution. “Vinay Gupta’s family extended a hand to Jews in the 1930s, at a time when Austria fell under Nazi control. They saved five Jewish families who would otherwise have faced grave danger. I was honored to meet Gupta and hear his family’s incredible story of bravery and compassion,” he said.
Azar’s sentiments echo the larger narrative of India’s history with the Jewish people, who have lived in India for over 2,000 years, integrating seamlessly into Indian society. India remains one of the few places globally where Jewish communities have never faced anti-Semitism. “India has extraordinary people who have always been welcoming to the Jewish people. This history of compassion is one of the reasons the Jewish community flourished here,” Azar said. He continued, “Today, we are in a new era where both India and Israel are free, with huge opportunities to develop relations and prosper together.”
At the event, Ambassador Azar highlighted the importance of people-to-people connections, which he described as the foundation of true diplomacy. “At the end of the day, the bond between countries is not just a bond between leaders, but also a bond between people. India and Israel’s connection is a testament to the value of people-driven diplomacy,” Azar commented. According to him, this longstanding relationship creates opportunities for both nations to grow, innovate, and collaborate.
The event honored Vinay Gupta’s book, A Rescue in Vienna, which recounts the experiences of his family in aiding Jews who were escaping Austria after the 1938 Anschluss, when Nazi Germany annexed Austria. Azar spoke passionately about the impact of the Jewish community in Vienna before the Holocaust, noting how many Jewish businesspeople, academics, and doctors contributed greatly to society until they were tragically exterminated by the Nazis. The Israeli Ambassador remarked that each story of survival, like those of the families Gupta’s ancestors saved, deserves to be remembered.
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Azar also made a personal commitment to share Gupta’s book with Yad Vashem, Israel’s official Holocaust memorial and research center. “Gupta Sr. was more than an entrepreneur; he was a man with a huge heart. His goodwill saved many lives during one of history’s darkest periods,” Azar said. “I assured Gupta that I will send his book to Yad Vashem in Jerusalem, so Holocaust researchers can study and follow up on his family’s remarkable efforts.”
The Israeli Ambassador’s remarks underscored the deep historical connections and shared values between India and Israel. Both nations have experienced challenges of oppression and marginalization but have emerged resilient, with strong identities and democratic values. In recent years, India and Israel have strengthened their ties, working closely in areas like defense, technology, and agriculture, further solidifying their strategic partnership.
Through this event and Gupta’s story, Azar highlighted the significance of documenting and sharing historical acts of courage and compassion. “The actions of Gupta’s family are a testament to India’s tradition of tolerance and humanity,” he said. As India and Israel continue to build on their shared values, stories like that of A Rescue in Vienna serve as reminders of the impact individuals can have in times of adversity.
Ambassador Azar’s reflections at the Austrian Ambassador’s residence illustrate how India has been a steadfast friend to the Jewish people throughout history. The bond between the two nations, rooted in mutual respect and resilience, is poised to continue flourishing in the future, enabling both countries to “develop relations, prosper, and flourish together.”
