New Delhi, May 22 (Reporter) The Israel Embassy in New Delhi celebrated the 76th National Day, themed around 'Israeli Heroism', which was a poignant reminder of the resilience and courage of the Israeli people since the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack. They prayed for the release of the 128 Israelis who are still held captive by Hamas. Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Speaking at the event, Foreign Secretary Kwatra said, "We join the people of Israel to celebrate this momentous occasion. It is deeply inspiring that the extraordinary journey of a nation that has not only survived and thrived against all odds, but also transformed itself into a flourishing landscape of innovation, advancement, and growth. Over the years, our partnership has grown exponentially and is marked by mutual respect, understanding, and collaboration across various sectors.” “The terror attacks on October 7 have left us all shaken. India itself is a victim of cross-border terrorism and has a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. There can be no justifications for acts of terror. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the hostages and innocent lives lost in these heinous acts,” the FS added. Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Naor Gilon said, “This Independence Day is complicated and painful, but our resolve is strong. While we mark this Independence Day, our thoughts are with the 128 loved ones who are still held captive. Their immediate release remains our sincere hope and ongoing mission. “I take this occasion to salute the heroism of people of Indian descent: Meera and Sabitha, caregivers from Kerala, who saved an elderly couple during the terror attack; and Romi (6), an Israeli child of Indian descent, whose parents were murdered in front of her, tried to protect her little sister – Lia (3) during the attack. They have shown extraordinary courage and a strong spirit, inspiring the entire nation of Israel.” “From October 7, both the government and the people of India stood on the side of Israel. And this we will never forget. The amount of support we get here is nothing short of amazing. It’s a testimony of the extraordinary relations between the Indian and the Jewish people,” he added, according to a statement from the Israeli Embassy. As a symbol of solidarity and hope, Ambassador Gilon along with the guests, released 128 yellow balloons for the urgent release of all 128 hostages still held captive. The event featured a memorial wall dedicated to the kidnapped, underscoring the collective call for their safe return...////...