Sikhs in Israel: A Hidden Chapter of Global Sikh History
Welcome to Global Sikhi Wiki, your comprehensive resource for exploring Sikh history, culture, and global communities. Today, we delve into the vibrant story of Sikhs in Israel.
–The presence of Sikhs in Israel is a lesser-known but fascinating chapter in global Sikh migration. Although the community is small, Sikhs in Israel play an important role in agriculture, caregiving, and construction sectors.
This article explains where Israel is, how Sikhs migrated there, the nature of their work, community life, challenges, and future prospects.
Israel is a Middle Eastern country located on the southeastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea. It is known for its ancient history, religious significance, and modern technological development.
Israel 🇮🇱 is a Middle Eastern country located on the southeastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea in the Asian continent. It shares its borders with Lebanon to the north, Syria to the northeast, Jordan to the east, and Egypt to the southwest, along with the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Israel is known for its ancient history, deep religious significance, and remarkable modern technological development.
Because of its advanced economy and shortage of local labour, Israel has become a destination for foreign workers—including a small but growing Sikh population.
Israel is home to a small Sikh community, estimated in the low thousands ( few Hundreds ), though the exact number remains unclear as many are not permanent residents. The community is supported by two gurdwaras—one in Tel Aviv and another in Eilat—which serve as key centers for worship and cultural connections.
History of Sikh Migration to Israel
⚔️ Historical Connection: Indian Soldiers Who Liberated Haifa in 1918
A deep historical connection between the Punjabi community and Israel was forged during World War I, long before the modern Sikh migration began. Thousands of Indian soldiers—particularly Sikhs from Punjab, serving in regiments such as the Jodhpur Lancers, Mysore Lancers, and British Indian Army cavalry units—were deployed in the Middle East campaign under the Allied command.
These soldiers fought bravely to protect and liberate key cities that today form part of modern Israel, including Haifa, Afula, Tiberias, and Megiddo. In the legendary Battle of Haifa (23 September 1918), Sikh cavalrymen launched one of history’s last successful cavalry charges against Ottoman and German defences. Their heroic assault freed the city and safeguarded the region from further enemy attacks.
Many Punjabi soldiers sacrificed their lives during this campaign, and their graves remain preserved in Israel, especially at the Haifa Indian Cemetery, which the Israeli government maintains with pride. Each year, Haifa Day commemorates their bravery—recognising the Sikh, Hindu, and Muslim soldiers from India who fought for the liberation and security of the region.
This chapter of history stands as a powerful reminder of the Sikh community’s courage, loyalty, and military excellence, and it marks the earliest documented relationship between Punjabis and the land that would become Israel.
Gurdwaras in Israel (Tel Aviv and Eilat)
No authoritative public listing or street addresses found for permanent Gurdwara buildings in Tel Aviv or Eilat
I searched news sites, community pages and travel guides and could not locate an official, permanent gurdwara in either city with a published address or website. This means claims that “there are two gurdwaras” appear in forums and community posts but aren’t backed up by an official listing I could verify. sikhphilosophy.net
Community gatherings and Punjabi/Sikh events do take place in Israel (often via the Indian Embassy/consulate or rented halls)
The Embassy of India in Tel Aviv and Punjabi community groups in Israel have organised Baisakhi/langar and other events — evidence that there is an organised Punjabi/Sikh community active in Israel even if permanent gurdwara buildings are not publicly listed. indianexpress.com
Forum posts and travel pieces mention gurdwaras or Sikh groups
Forums like SikhPhilosophy and older travel articles mention the existence of gurdwaras or Sikh gatherings, but don’t provide solid, current contact information. That’s why I couldn’t confirm physical temples/addresses.
Local Indian / Punjabi delegations have asked for help building a formal gurudwara (2018 reporting).
A 2018 Indian Express report describes Punjabis in Israel seeking help from Punjab’s CM to procure land and permissions for a gurudwara — which suggests that at least as of 2018 a permanent, officially recognised gurdwara may not have been in place.
Our team Observation
While local posts and community members have reported small gurdwara gatherings (notably in Tel Aviv and Eilat), I could not find an official, permanent gurdwara building with a published address. Punjabi and Sikh communities hold events (langar/Baisakhi) often organized through the Indian Embassy or rented community halls.
Shared Cultural Respect: Head-Covering Traditions in Sikhism and Judaism
A unique cultural connection between Sikhs and Israelis comes from a shared tradition of covering the head as a sign of respect and devotion. In Sikhism, wearing a turban (Dastar) is a sacred practice symbolizing identity, discipline, and spiritual commitment. Similarly, in Jewish culture—especially within Orthodox Judaism—covering the head with a kippah, scarf, or hat is a long-standing religious custom that expresses reverence toward God.
Another meaningful similarity is the tradition of keeping a beard. For Sikh men, maintaining uncut hair (Kesh) and a full beard is a vital part of their spiritual discipline and identity. In Orthodox Judaism as well, many men keep beards as a sign of piety, humility, and adherence to religious teachings.
Because of this shared value, Israel naturally respects the Sikh practice of keeping their heads covered. Sikhs rarely face issues related to turbans in workplaces or public spaces, and Israelis often recognise and appreciate this parallel. This cultural alignment helps Sikhs feel more accepted in Israeli society and strengthens mutual understanding between the two communities.
Sikh History Is Taught in Israel
A video published by a Sikh-focused YouTube channel claims that Sikh history is included in Israeli school curricula — titled “Why is Sikh history taught in Israel? You will be surprised to know | Sikh Facts.” YouTube This clip has circulated among diaspora communities and sparked interest among Sikhs worldwide.
However, despite this claim, there is no publicly available independent confirmation from Israeli educational authorities that Sikh history (or broader Sikh studies) is part of the official national syllabus. As such, while the video reflects a popular narrative and community belief, the claim remains unverified in academic or governmental records.
In 2025, the authorities of Haifa announced a plan to include in local school textbooks the story of Indian cavalry regiments — which included Sikh soldiers — who played a pivotal role in liberating the city in 1918. However, as of now there is no verified evidence that Sikh history or the broader Sikh diaspora is part of the standard national curriculum across Israel. What we see is a localized historical recognition, not a systematic inclusion of Sikh heritage in school education.
The respect Israel shows toward Sikh soldiers—preserving memorials, teaching their story, and honouring their bravery—reflects a shared value system rooted in courage, sacrifice, and protection of humanity. The Battle of Haifa stands today not just as a military victory but as a cultural bridge that connects Israel with the Sikh community across generations. aajtak.in , dailymotion.com
Israeli Stamp of Indian Cavalry from Haifa War
Israel Post issued a commemorative stamp in 2018 to honour the Indian soldiers who fought in the liberation of Haifa during World War I. the stamp does not specifically commemorate a “Sikh army.” Instead, it honors the broader Indian cavalry units (from princely states) of the 15th Imperial Service Cavalry Brigade, composed of regiments such as the Jodhpur Lancers, Mysore Lancers, and Hyderabad Lancers.
Captain Anop Singh: A Forgotten Indian Hero of the Battle of Haifa (1918)
Among the many Indian soldiers who fought bravely in the Battle of Haifa on 23 September 1918, one lesser-known but highly respected figure remembered in regimental accounts is Captain Anop Singh. Serving in the British Indian Army during World War I, he was part of the cavalry forces deployed in the Middle East campaign against the Ottoman–German alliance. During the liberation of Haifa, a city that later became part of modern-day Israel, Indian cavalry regiments—especially Sikh, Jat, and Maratha soldiers—executed one of the most daring mounted charges in military history. Captain Anop Singh is mentioned in community and historical references as one of the officers who fought in this campaign, contributing to the heroic victory that saved Haifa with minimal casualties.
Historical records and contemporary regimental histories show an officer named Captain (Thakur) Anop Singh of the Jodhpur Imperial Service Lancers among the decorated officers of the Battle of Haifa (23 September 1918). Official notices (London Gazette supplements and regimental appendices) and modern commemorations in Haifa confirm his award and role. The name sometimes appears in variant spellings in later sources, so if you earlier saw “Anoop Singh” that is almost certainly a spelling variant of Anop Singh in the original records.
Despite searching public archives and museum collections, no verified individual portrait of Captain Anup (also spelled Anop/Anoop) Singh has been located. Group photos of the Jodhpur Lancers at Haifa are available and can illustrate the story; Captain Anup’s presence is attested in regimental accounts and family narratives, though his personal photograph appears to survive only in private hands or un-digitised collections
Did Guru Nanak Visit Jerusalem? A Historical and Devotional Exploration
Before discussing the possible visit of Guru Nanak Dev Ji to Jerusalem, Cairo, or other Middle Eastern regions, it is important to clarify the historical reality of that period. During the 15th–16th century—when Guru Nanak undertook his Udasis (spiritual journeys)—there were no modern countries called Israel, Palestine, or Jordan. Instead, the entire region, including Jerusalem (Al-Quds / Bait-ul-Muqaddas), was part of the Ottoman Empire.
Therefore, when Sikh traditions describe Guru Nanak’s travels through the Middle East, they refer to the geographical Holy Land, not the present-day political boundaries.
Early manuscript traditions, such as those attributed to Taajudin, and observations by historians like Trilochan Singh, suggest that Guru Nanak may have travelled through Cairo, Jerusalem, Baghdad, and Mecca, though, as researcher Rohinee Singh notes, only his journeys to Baghdad and Mecca are strongly documented. Narratives describe Guru Nanak singing hymns near the Al-Aqsa Mosque, inspiring a Sufi named Ibne Wahid, and leaving behind a legacy remembered through the shrine known as Hujra Nanak Shah Qalandar. While academic historians do not confirm these routes due to limited evidence, the stories highlight the universal influence of Guru Nanak in the Middle East, and remain part of Sikh oral tradition.
I ran targeted searches across major public image and reference sources (Wikimedia / Wikipedia pages for Qalandar shrines, news/heritage pages and other shrine records) and found many Qalandar / Sufi shrine images from South Asia, but no match for a shrine named “Hujra Nanak Shah Qalandar” located in Israel.
550th Guru Nanak Gurpurab Celebrations in Tel Aviv, Israel
The 550th Prakash Gurpurab of Guru Nanak Dev Ji was celebrated with great fervour and excitement by the Indian community in Tel Aviv, Israel. The event took place at Hayarkon Park, near Luna Park, where families gathered to honour the founder of Sikhism through prayers, hymns, and community service. A key highlight of the celebration was the serving of Langar, the free community kitchen embodying Guru Nanak’s message of equality and service to humanity. The Ambassador of India to Israel, H.E. Sanjay Singla, graced the occasion and conveyed his warm greetings to the community. The gathering reflected the strong cultural bonds maintained by Sikhs and Indians living in Israel, and the universal values of harmony, unity, and seva taught by Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
Conclusion: A Timeless Bond Between Sikhs and the Land of Israel
The story of Sikhs in Israel is a unique blend of history, sacrifice, cultural respect, and spiritual connection. From the valiant Sikh soldiers who fought in the Battle of Haifa in 1918, to the modern Punjabi and Sikh community working across Israel today, this relationship has continued to grow with dignity and mutual admiration. The existence of Gurdwaras in Tel Aviv and Eilat (Un Confirmed ), the celebration of Guru Nanak’s 550th Gurpurab, and the teaching of Sikh military history in some Israeli institutions reflect the deep respect Israel holds for Sikh identity and values. Even the traditional accounts of Guru Nanak’s possible travels through Jerusalem and the Middle East—though rooted in ancient narrative rather than modern borders—symbolize the timeless spiritual bridge linking Sikh teachings with the Holy Land. Today, Sikhs in Israel stand as a peaceful, hardworking, and vibrant community that contributes to society while keeping their faith, service, and heritage alive. Their story enriches both Sikh history and the multicultural fabric of Israel, forming a bond that continues to strengthen with every generation.
