The reading during the inauguration ceremony
The Indian government invited the rabbi and cantor of the small Jewish community in New Delhi to recite a Psalm at the inauguration of the new Indian Parliament building on Monday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in attendance.
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Rabbi Ezekiel Isaac Malekar was invited to the ceremony alongside other religious leaders in India and recited Psalm 23, also known as "The Lord is My Shepherd" - a song of gratitude and trust in God, with the speaker portraying the Lord as a loving and protective shepherd who leads them to green pastures and still waters.
Israeli Ambassador to India Naor Gilon, who was also in the audience, expressed his excitement, saying: "This is a beautiful tribute from the government. Despite the fact that the Jewish community in India is quite small nowadays, the Indians treat them with respect as they have done for the 2,500 years of Jewish life in the country."
Israel's Consul General in Mumbai Kobbi Shoshani tweeted: "Heartiest congratulations to the people of India and PM Narendra Modi for the inauguration of the new Parliament building. Thrilled to watch recital of the Jewish prayers in the grand ceremony. Long live democracy."