In the wake of escalating tensions between Israel and Hamas, the Delhi Police has increased the security around the Israeli embassy and Chabad House in the national Capital. Police stations around the embassy in New Delhi and Chabad House, located in Chandni Chowk in Central Delhi, have been directed to maintain a tight vigil.
There are two Chabad Houses in India, one in Mumbai and the other in Paharganj, Delhi. These Chabad Houses are like Jewish open houses and are open to every Jew. They feel like home here.
Sources said the security has been increased and additional police vehicles have been deployed outside the Israeli Embassy and the official residence of the Israeli Ambassador to India, Naor Gilon, and Chabad House in Paharganj area. Sources added that authorities have directed to increase the vigil around both the installations.
The move to increase the security comes at a time when about 900 Israelis have been killed and over 2,600 injured in the surprise and unprecedented attack by Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip on Saturday morning.
The security measures were implemented in order to avoid any untoward incidents similar to the one that happened more than two years ago. In January 2021, a “very low IED device” was detonated near the Israeli embassy in Delhi, damaging nearby cars. But no injuries were reported in the blast.
The Chabad House in Paharganj is the first semblance of a home away from home for hundreds of Israelis landing in India. Conservative estimates put the number of Israelis visiting Delhi’s Chabad House at 50,000 per year. The Chabad House is probably the first point of contact with their own people for Israelis visiting India. It is a comfort zone that allows them some familiarity, before venturing out to explore exotic, bewildering India.
It is noted that when terrorists attacked Mumbai 26/11, the Chabad House was also targeted. The terrorists wanted to take revenge for Palestine and their aim was to kill Israeli civilians.
After that incident, strict security arrangements have been made at Chabad House in both Delhi and Mumbai. Now many CCTV cameras have been installed on the roads around Chabad House.
Israeli and Jewish tourists can relax at the Chabad House and enjoy Israeli cuisine. Also, if any kind of information or help is needed, that is also available. According to the information given on chabad.org, currently there are more than 3,500 Chabad Houses operating in more than 85 countries of the world.
In a way, Chabad House is a community centre for the Jewish community, where they are provided all kinds of help and facilities. Be it children’s education, employment or helping the elderly. Programmes like special classes, workshops, lectures are organised at Chabad House for Israelis and Jews. Lectures are also given on religious subjects.
