Prime Minister Modi was honored with Speaker of the Knesset, PM said ‘Am Yisrael Chai’ in Israeli Parliament, know its meaning

New Delhi: In his historic address to the Israeli Parliament, the Knesset, on 25 February 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised a strong slogan in Hebrew, “Am Yisrael Chai”, which simply means “The people of Israel live” or “The people of Israel are immortal”. This slogan is considered a symbol of unwavering vitality, unity and victory of life for the Jewish community despite centuries of challenges, persecution and crises.

Standing ovation in the Knesset

PM Modi started his speech with “Shalom” and “Namaste”. He strongly condemned the Hamas attacks of 7 October 2023, in which the killing of innocent civilians cannot be justified under any pretext. “India understands Israel’s pain and stands in full solidarity with it – in this moment and beyond,” Modi said. When “Am Yisrael Chai” was announced at the end of the speech, Knesset members stood up and applauded, chanting “Modi-Modi” and receiving a standing ovation. After this, PM Modi concluded by saying “Jai Hind”.

Talk of zero tolerance on terrorism

Describing terrorism as a global threat, the Prime Minister said, “No reason can justify the killing of civilians. There is no justification for terrorism.” He referred to India’s 26/11 Mumbai attacks and said that both India and Israel adopt a zero tolerance policy against terrorism without any double standards. Both the countries together will have to take continuous action against terrorism at the global level, because terrorism is a threat to peace everywhere, wherever it is.

New height of India-Israel relations

This was the first time that an Indian Prime Minister addressed the Israeli Parliament. Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana honored PM Modi with the ‘Speaker of the Knesset Medal’, the Knesset’s highest honour, which recognizes the strong India-Israel strategic ties. Modi described the partnership between the two countries as “a source of strength in an uncertain world” and said the friendship is scaling new heights in the economic, technological and security spheres.

The slogan “Am Yisrael Chai” was popularized by the Jewish rights movement in the Soviet Union in the 1960s. After the October 7 attacks it became a symbol of resistance, solidarity and hope in Israel. This proclamation by PM Modi sends a clear message to the world about India’s unwavering support for Israel – both nations will face challenges together.