Why Israeli tourists in Kasol, called mini-Israel, are euphoric about Modi's visit

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi was welcomed by his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv on Tuesday, Israeli tourists currently camping in Himachal Pradesh's Kasol village, which is also called mini-Israel, are thoroughly excited about his visit.

29-year-old Ben, who hails from Naharriya in Israel and is living in Kasol at present, said, "Modi's visit will not only boost economic and political relations but also act as a fillip to tourism as India has become a favourite destination for Israelis. I wish him good luck."

Another Israel tourist 28-year-old Illian, who belongs to Halfa in Israel, said he was on his second visit to India. He was all praise for the Prime Minister and said that his visit would cement ties between the two nations.

Umref, 25, a native of Naharriya, said Modi's visit to Israel would be beneficial for both the countries.

Another Israeli native Yair Leshem, who is currently in Dharamsala, thanked Prime Minister Modi for his visit and hoped it would boost ties between the two nations. "All Israelis will agree that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Israel visit is very important. We hope that both the countries will work together", Leshem said.

Israeli tourists, who visit Dharamkot in Kangra and Kasol in Kullu in large numbers, are hopeful that Prime Minister Modi's visit would lead to their getting more facilities in India.

YOUNG ISRAELIS WANT NETANYAHU TO VISIT INDIA

Excited over Modi's Israel visit, young Israelis currently holidaying in Kangra want him to visit Kullu and Dharamkot, Kangra and see how they enjoyed themselves at these places and felt they were home.

"Actually I am really excited that Prime Minister of India is visiting Israel. Israeli and Indians are well connected. Both visit each others' countries. There is a good connect between all of us. It is all about love and freedom. I think the PM of Israel must come to India to see the young people travel here and see what is freedom in the little things in life here. I like India. It is my second visit here. I am excited about it because it is very good for both Israel and India", says Omer Taubel, an Israeli tourist currently visiting Dharamkot, Dharamsala and Kangra.

Another Israel resident Lea Bensou Ssan hoped that the meeting would prove beneficial for people of both the countries. He said India was like a second home as every Israeli wanted to visit this country.

"I think that Prime Minister of India's visit to Israel will encourage more Indians to visit this country. Israelis come to India all the time. All Israelis come to India as it is very popular and it is like a second home. It is very, very important for the people of two countries", says Lea Bensou Ssan.

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