IPN-AJC Panel Discussion
Celebrating 25 Years of India-Israel Relations
 

Members of Jews community and IPN team with Nagesh Singh and Kwanza Hall

Atlanta, GA: The evening of February 16 marked another important day among the American Jewish Committee and the Indian Professionals Network (IPN Atlanta). It marked the 25 years of commitment and friendship the two countries shared with each other. Discussing the aspects of relations between India and Israel the event featured prominent persons including Consul General of India in Atlanta, Nagesh Singh, Atlanta city councilman, Kwanza Hall and CEO of Conexx, Guy Tessler. Matt Pearl of WXIA – TV moderated the panel discussions. The event was held in Ashiana Banquet hall in Global Mall, Norcross.
The event took off by an informal meet and greet among fellow attendees, a delicious dinner, followed by a welcome speech by Mr. Ravi Ponangi of IPN Atlanta. He gave a brief overview on how both communities have worked together since 1987, to foster a strong bond between their respective faiths, cultures and motherlands. It gave both communities an opportunity to reflect on the efforts and share the similarities on culture, Hinduism and Judaism. This is an opportunity for mutual understanding and respect to make strong ties between India, Israel and the US still stronger.

Matt Pearl, Gut Tessler, Kwanza Hall and Nagesh Singh

Jews and Indians are the most educated in the United States, with similar economic progress and cultural and spiritual values. Yet sadly there is not enough exposure of one to the other. If both communities come together we can learn from each other and have a stronger voice in America. India is one of the rare countries in the world where Jews have never experienced anti-Semitism. Jews have been persecuted everywhere. But Indians have looked after them. You know first resolution passed after creation of Israel was, “thank you India. You were the only country in the world who did not persecute Jews.”

Mr. Ravi also provided an overview of IPN Atlanta’s Mission, vision and goals, its commitment to continuously facilitate networking, mentoring among professionals and strive in carrying forward the legacy of its founder Dr. Narsi. And lastly, to continue support and promote Jewish-Indian collaboration by organizing different programs to deepen and widen our relationship.
Mr. Sudhir Agarwal of IPN introduced CGI Nagesh Singh and city councilman Kwanza Hall. Julie Katz explained about the working of American Jewish community and Matt Weiss introduced Guy Tessler.
The panel discussion on India Israel relations received an over whelming response from both the communities. Panelists spoke about the relation between India, Israel and America and the future prospects each country would share not only with each other but also America. Consular corps, political, business and community leaders attended the event.

The Consul general of India, Mr. Nagesh Singh explained how the connections and linkages among India, Israel, and America are growing. He said that there are all together 45 to 50 Indian American companies working in Atlanta and Georgia companies are working in India. He briefed about various trade agreements already working between India and Israel. He said “Businesses follow people relationships and initiates businesses.
What I have seen here, Indian Americans invested in businesses here in Atlanta. There are multifaceted linkages in terms of finding markets in India or importing resources.” Mr. Singh has given numbers of Indian Americans in United States and how they are contributing for overall progress of America. He said Indian companies are looking to come over to America and businesses in Israel and America are looking for markets in India or they are looking for raw material for their businesses and industries

Mr. Kwanza Hall shared his stories on his trips to India and Israel. He credited on how the two countries honor their traditions, and have embrace entrepreneurship and been leaders in rapid investment in innovation. More importantly how Both communities have helped Atlanta put on the map; a main stream community with their rich connections in terms of their participation in civic, political, educational and economic development. The Economic and cultural contributions of both the communities enhance entrepreneurship in Atlanta.
Mr. Guy Tessler said “in 2016 Atlanta launched Atlanta Tech Gateway to Americans, an export portal, an initiative to help international companies navigate Atlanta’s businesses. The first countries for the program were India and Israel. People from USA visited Israel and saw what was happening in and understood. He exhorted to find outlets for Israeli companies.”



He also informed the economic developments taking place between India, Israel and America and the success stories. He said, “Indian culture and Jewish culture are intertwined and it is helping the relationship. Triangle relations between India, Israel and America is something very exciting where business and cultural endeavor but also profitable and help to solve real solutions. It is beneficial to everyone”
Matt Pearl, moderator for evening was very fascinated to hear about how traditions of India and Israel apply to modern day America and in particular in Atlanta. He enjoyed asking questions to the panelists and hearing specific questions from the audience. The event helped people network, make connections and coming to know each other beyond businesses, more so on personal level. Pearl felt that This type of events are required to bring communities together.
The evening was concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by IPN member Mr. Rajan Vedak.