Honoring Truth: The Fact-Based History of Haifa’s Freedom

On 29 September 2025, a tribute was paid to Indian soldiers on the occasion of “Haifa Day” in Haifa. On this occasion, Haifa Mayor Yona Yahav said, “It is being corrected in our history books that Indian soldiers played a significant role in the liberation of Haifa, not the British.” This initiative shows how important it is to understand past and present history in the right context, so that the generations to come can become familiar with the truth and increase mutual respect and understanding. Apart from getting respect for the valor of Indian soldiers, there is also an indication that the correct picture of history should be revealed over time. This step not only promotes the correct understanding of history, but also strengthens cultural, historical and interdependent relations between India and Israel.

The day of 23 September 1918 is written in the gold in Indian military history. On this day, Indian horsemen freed the city of Haifa of Israel from the Ottoman Empire and achieved a historic victory. This liberation campaign became a symbol of adventure, strategic skills and sacrifice of Indian soldiers. In the final stages of the First World War, the Indian 15th (Imperial Service) Kavelri Brigade  attacked Haifa. The brigade included Lancers from Jodhpur, Hyderabad and Mysore. These soldiers played a decisive role against the Ottoman army.

In the war, Major Dalpat Singh Shekhawat of Jodhpur Lancer performed unique leadership, which was honored as “Hero of Haifa”. Many Indian soldiers sacrificed their lives in this adventure battle. Jodhpur Lancer lost eight soldiers and injured 34, but he also captured more than 700 prisoners, 17 field guns and 11 machine guns. Captain Aman Singh Bahadur and Dafadar Jor Singh were awarded the Indian Order of Merit for this bravery, while captain Anop Singh and second Lieutenant Sagat Singh were awarded the Military Cross. According to historians, Indian soldiers martyred around 4,000 soldiers in West Asia in this liberation campaign, and a total of 74,000 Indian soldiers abandoned their lives in the First World War. The campaign ended the 402 -year -long governance of the Ottoman Empire. At the same time, Indian soldiers also freed the son of Abdul Baha, the leader of Bahai Dharma, son of the founder of Bahai Dharma. After this liberation, the new political direction was paved in this region and Israel was eventually formed.

This valor was also remembered in contemporary recognition. During the visit of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in January 2018, India honored this historical contribution by renaming the famous Teen Murat Chowk in New Delhi as “Teen Murat Haifa Chowk”. In July 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Indian cemetery in Haifa and unveiled the inscription honoring Major Dalpat Singh Shekhawat’s contribution. Thus, India also recognized the sacrifice and contribution of its soldiers at the international level.

Haifa day is celebrated every year, which provides an opportunity to remember the valor and sacrifice of Indian soldiers. This day also reminds us that the correct picture of history is often hidden behind myths and semi-truth, which is necessary to expose through correct research and evidence. This valor of Indian soldiers not only determined a new political direction in the Middle East, but also became a symbol of the international contribution of the Indian Army. These events reflect our proud past and are also sources of inspiration for the youth.

Recently, Haifa’s Mayor Yona Yahav announced that the history textbooks in the city schools would be revised with the correct details of the event. Now students will be able to know correctly that instead of British soldiers in the liberation of Haifa, Indian soldiers played a decisive role. This step not only honors the sacrifice of Indian soldiers, but also highlights the importance of understanding history from a fact-based perspective.

It is also necessary to present history on the basis of the right facts and evidence because only depending on the stories or traditional views can implicate us into untouchable perceptions. Improvement in textbooks and including accurate details gives proper respect to the sacrifice of Indian soldiers as well as ensure that students can know the realities of the past. This not only helps us understand the situation of the present, but also develops solid knowledge and decision ability for the future. Fact-based history not only highlights glorious moments, but also warns that accurate evidence and critical approaches are necessary in any social or political story. This reminds us that history is never stable; He continues to develop according to time, research and evidence. Thus, the story of Haifa’s liberation is not only an example of the valor of Indian soldiers, but it also gives a message to know the history properly and provide accurate information for generations to come.

It is clear from this entire episode that history is not only a collection of events, but it is the basis of our culture, our identity and our decision ability. Only when we know the real facts of the valor and sacrifice of Indian soldiers, only then we can see the correct picture of history and can better understand the complications of the present. On the basis of this knowledge, we can face the challenges of the future and spread the message of truth, respect and awareness in the society.