Who is really safe in India and Israel?
Al Jazeera
February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are fostering a historically significant partnership, marked by a visit in which Modi became the first Indian prime minister to visit Israel. Their relationship is rooted in shared ideological frameworks, including Hindutva and Zionism, both of which prioritize the safety and dominance of Hindus and Jews, respectively. This bond was evident during Modi’s 2017 trip, which shifted bilateral relations from a focus on trade to a deeper ideological alignment. Both leaders view themselves as protectors against threats they perceive from Islamism, with Netanyahu framing their friendship as one between ancient nations.
The warmth of their interactions and the symbolic gestures, such as Sara Netanyahu’s saffron-colored attire, underscored their mutual ideological affinity. However, this partnership is not without complexities. In Israel, while Jews are often seen as a protected group, not all Jewish citizens feel secure. Mizrahi Jews, for instance, have faced systemic discrimination rooted in the state’s founding policies, including forced assimilation and the theft of children from Arab Jewish families. Similarly, Ethiopian Jews face significant economic and social challenges, with many living in poverty and encountering racial barriers.
The article raises critical questions about safety and inclusion in both India and Israel. While Modi’s India is marketed as a haven for Hindus, marginalized groups like Muslims and Dalits often feel unsafe. In Israel, Palestinians endure institutionalized discrimination and violence, while even some Jewish citizens, such as Mizrahi and Ethiopian communities, face exclusion and racism. These issues highlight the broader tensions between national identity and human rights, challenging the notion of
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/26/2026