The Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi
was in Israel from July 4- 7, 2017.
The royal warm greetings and government attention was unprecedented,
starting with a large airport reception
with hugs and flags and music and lots of officials.
Israeli President Reuven Rivlin greeted Modi
outside Beit Hanasi, the Israeli President’s Residence,
breaking protocol with a hug instead of handshake.
Both men then walked the red carpet to the residence,
and Prime Minister Modi signed the guest book.
Time for another warm handshake moment,
after the warm message.
Media crowded into the official reception room.
Most of the press left for the next stop on the full itinerary,
and missed the commander-in-chief of the Israeli Army
Gadi Eizenkot, arriving to shake hands with Modi.
Then at the King David Hotel,
the table was set for a lunch meeting between
the Prime Ministers and delegation officials.
The lunch went longer than scheduled
but the cameras were ready
while Israeli Ministers chatted and also waited.
The Prime Ministers made their entrance,
and gave their speeches
followed by more hugs.
There were numerous jokes,
of this warm and hugging visit,
and of Modi in Israel.
Photos of the Prime Ministers wading into the sea,
signing agreements, hugging, and
meeting terror survivor Moishe Holtzman
made some news reports.
They also went to see the Cochin Synagogue exhibit in the Israel Museum.
The attention showered on the Indian Prime Minister,
was more than I have seen for any recent international visitor.
Israel’s Prime Minister acted as host and tour guide.
The love, respect, and worship, that the Indian visitors
showed for their Prime Minister was impressive.
The extensive agreements that were signed have great potential
for both countries and beyond,
the whole world should be applauding.
(Thanks to my friend Ron for photo-shopping the globe here.)
After all the waiting for the official ceremonies,
the tallest man in the room was seated in the front row,
and his bald head blocked my camera view.
Jokes, hugs and smiles,
the potential of this visit must be acknowledged.
Additional photos: King David Hotel and Beit Hanasi.