Israel/Jamnagar: A statue of Maharaja Jam Saheb Digvijaysinhji Jadeja of Nawanagar, now known as Jamnagar, was recently unveiled at Moshav Nevatim, Israel. This tribute commemorates his unparalleled humanitarian courage demonstrated during the Second World War.

Jam Saheb’s legacy centers on his crucial intervention in 1942 when he brought hundreds of Polish refugees to India, many of whom were Jewish children seeking refuge after escaping Soviet camps. Upon welcoming the displaced individuals, Jam Saheb offered them reassurance, declaring, “From today, I am your father.”

The Maharaja established safe camps for these children at Balachadi, located by the sea. These facilities were comprehensive, ensuring the refugees received food, education, medical care, and access to a library stocked with Polish-language materials. This swift and compassionate action created a life-saving shelter, protecting these innocents from the devastating horrors of the war.

The Indian Ambassador in Israel, in a tweet, said: “A moving tribute at Moshav Nevatim. The statue of Maharaja Jam Saheb of Nawanagar (Gujarat) was unveiled in Nevatim, honouring his exemplary compassion during World War II. He adopted hundreds of Polish children, including Jewish children, and built a home for them in 1942 at Balachadi. It saved these children from the horrors of World War II. Amb. JP Singh recalled the ‘Good Maharaja’s’ compassion — a beacon of hope reminding us that humanity rises above all boundaries. The Ambassador also lauded the tireless work of scholars and volunteers of the Indian Jewish Heritage Center (IJHC) and Cochini Jewish Heritage Center (CJHC), which keeps our shared heritage alive.”

During the event, the Indian Ambassador was joined by the Ambassador of Poland, Mr. Maciej Hunia; Michal Weiler Tal (MOFA); Dr. Kenneth X. Robbins; Swami Shri Hariprasad; Rafi Bhonkar; and Dr. Nehemia Shahaf. DeshGujarat