Archive · 16 Sep 2026
Haifa Commemorates Indian Soldiers’ Role in World War I
Haifa held a ceremony to remember Indian soldiers who fought there during World War I. The battle happened on September 23, 1918.
Indian cavalry units fought Ottoman forces and helped capture the city.
Haifa’s deputy mayor said their bravery is still an important part of the city’s story.
Schools are teaching children that Indian soldiers, rather than only British forces, played the decisive role.
The Indian ambassador placed a wreath at a cemetery to honor those who died.
Major Thakur Dalpat Singh was remembered as a particularly brave commander.
India and Israel continue to honor the soldiers through ceremonies, memorials and educational projects.
The event also highlighted the historic connection between the two countries.
Haifa held its annual Haifa Day ceremony honoring Indian soldiers who helped capture the city from Ottoman forces on September 23, 1918.
Deputy Mayor Sarit Golan-Steinberg said the soldiers’ courage and sacrifice remain part of Haifa’s history and its ties with India.
Haifa schools now teach students in classes 3 to 5 about the Indian cavalry’s role, challenging the former belief that British forces liberated the city.
Indian Ambassador J P Singh laid a wreath at Haifa Cemetery and honored Major Thakur Dalpat Singh, known as the “Hero of Haifa.”
The Jodhpur Lancers suffered eight deaths and 34 wounded while capturing more than 700 prisoners, 17 field guns and 11 machine guns.
- Who
- The Haifa municipality, the Embassy of India, Israeli officials, Indian representatives and students commemorated Indian cavalry soldiers.
- What
- An annual Haifa Day ceremony honored Indian soldiers who helped capture Haifa from Ottoman forces during World War I.
- When
- The commemoration was reported on Wednesday, September 16; the Battle of Haifa took place on September 23, 1918.
- Where
- Haifa, Israel, including the Haifa Cemetery and local schools.
- Why
- The ceremony honored the soldiers’ courage and sacrifice and promoted recognition of their role in Haifa’s liberation.
Indian Cavalry’s Decisive Role
Earlier British-Liberation Belief
Who liberated Haifa?
Indian Cavalry’s Decisive Role
Haifa officials, the Historical Society and Indian representatives say Indian cavalry played the decisive role in capturing the city.
Earlier British-Liberation Belief
The article says some Haifa residents, including Mayor Yona Yahav during his childhood, had previously believed British forces liberated the city.
How the history is presented
Indian Cavalry’s Decisive Role
Haifa is changing school textbooks and organizing lectures to teach students about the Indian soldiers’ contribution.
Earlier British-Liberation Belief
The earlier account attributed the liberation to British forces, a view the city says is being corrected through research and education.
- Battle date
- September 23, 1918
- Opposing force
- Ottoman forces
- Indian units
- The Mysore, Hyderabad and Jodhpur Lancers, part of the 15th Imperial Service Cavalry Brigade
- Jodhpur Lancers losses
- Eight killed and 34 wounded
- Captured
- More than 700 prisoners, 17 field guns and 11 machine guns
- Burials
- About 900 Indian soldiers are interred in cemeteries in Haifa, Jerusalem and Ramle
- Annual observance
- The Indian Army commemorates September 23 as Haifa Day
