HAIFA, Israel (Diya TV) — Israeli school textbooks will soon credit Indian soldiers, not the British, for liberating Haifa from Ottoman rule in 1918, city officials announced Monday. The change comes after decades of historical misunderstanding.
The mayor of Haifa, Yona Yahav, confirmed that textbooks across the city’s schools will now reflect the contributions of Indian troops. “I was born in this city and graduated from here. Constantly, we were told that this city was freed by the British,” he said. “Then someone from the Historical Society knocked on my door and showed thorough research proving it wasn’t the British. It was the Indians who freed this city from the Ottomans.”
Mayor Yahav announced at a ceremony held at Haifa’s Indian soldiers’ cemetery. The event honored the bravery of the Indian cavalry regiments that fought in World War I. “In every school, we are changing the texts and saying that it wasn’t the British but the Indians who liberated us,” he added.
During World War I, Indian cavalry regiments played a crucial role in liberating Haifa. Armed with spears and swords, troops from the Mysore, Hyderabad, and Jodhpur Lancers cleared Ottoman forces from the rocky slopes of Mount Carmel. Historians call this effort “the last great cavalry campaign in history.”
The 15th Imperial Service Cavalry Brigade, which included these Indian regiments, conducted the daring campaign in September 1918. Despite difficult terrain and strong opposition, the soldiers’ bravery ensured the city’s liberation.
India recognizes September 23 as Haifa Day to honor the three cavalry regiments. The Mysore, Hyderabad, and Jodhpur Lancers are remembered for their courage and skill during the campaign. Every year, the Indian mission in Israel and the Haifa municipality organize an event at the Indian soldiers’ cemetery to pay tribute to these troops.
The ceremony includes wreath-laying, speeches, and educational programs. These events help preserve the memory of the soldiers’ sacrifice and highlight India’s contribution to global history.
The decision to update textbooks is part of a broader effort to ensure historical accuracy in Israeli education. Mayor Yahav said the changes were necessary to honor the truth and recognize India’s role in the city’s history.
The mayor first raised the issue in 2009, promising that Haifa’s schools would teach the story of Indian soldiers’ bravery. Today, local students are increasingly aware of the Indian contribution to the city’s liberation.
“The students should know who really fought for our freedom,” Yahav said. “This is an important part of our city’s history and global heritage.”
Historians and military scholars around the world have highlighted the strategic importance of Indian regiments during World War I. Their efforts not only liberated Haifa but also influenced the wider Middle Eastern campaign against Ottoman forces.
By updating school textbooks, Haifa joins other cities and countries in recognizing the contributions of Indian soldiers in shaping 20th-century history. This acknowledgment also strengthens cultural ties between Israel and India, reinforcing shared historical connections.
The Indian cavalry’s efforts in 1918 remain a symbol of courage and determination. Through annual commemorations and updated educational materials, Haifa ensures that future generations understand the true story of the city’s liberation.
Mayor Yahav concluded, “We honor their bravery not just for history but for inspiring our youth. They fought with courage, and it is time we all remember them correctly.”
