Why are thousands of Israeli youth reaching Himachal after army training, signboards started appearing in Hebrew

Many areas of Himachal Pradesh have become mini Israel. Every year thousands of Israeli tourists come here to visit. The situation is such that now even the sign boards on the roads and shops are written in Hebrew so that the tourists do not face any problem. But the question is that there are many places to visit in India, then why do they like Himachal only?

In the year 2007, a documentary named Flipping Out was made, which revolves around Mini Israel. Kasol is at the top in this. There are everything from small rooms to hotels built here, which provide the Israeli youth with everything from drugs to music and food of their choice. Kasol has been called hippie town since the 70s.

How many Israelis come annually

The Travel Association says that every year about 30 thousand Israelis come to this mountainous area. The Israeli Embassy in Delhi had said a few years ago that more than 80 thousand young Israelis are reaching Himachal every year. They are mostly 20 to 24 years old. This is the age when military training in Israel has ended. Let us tell you that army training is mandatory for the youth in this country provided they are not physically or mentally handicapped.

The first reason is the rigorous training of the army

During the rigorous training, the youth often come face to face with Palestinian extremists. This is a tough phase, even after passing which the youth can get admission in college. After completing the training they often look for peace. The calm hills of Himachal are suitable for this. In a way, this is a transition from military to civilian life. At the end of the training, a huge amount is also given as a bonus, which is enough to plan a long trip in a country like India.

Come for spiritual cleansing

India is also seen as a spiritual power in Israel. India is called Hodu in Hebrew. Jews believe that even though India believes in many gods, the spirituality there is similar to that of the Jews. They come and do spiritual cleansing, like meditation. Many resorts have been built in the hilly areas, which give the same promise.

India is safer than many countries

Israel’s neighborhood is full of aggressive countries. In such a situation, people there search for safe travel options. Many countries still discriminate against Jews, whereas India has no such problem. In hilly places, living arrangements can be made for minimum and maximum money. Israeli youth also like this. They stay at places like Kasol or Dharampeeth for several months or even a year at low cost.

More Israelis come here

Kasol, Old Manali, Dharamkot. In hilly villages like Tosh and Vashishtha, almost half the population is Israeli. Even in the valleys of Kangra and Kullu, thousands of Jews have started appearing. They not only come to spend time in the mountains, but intoxication also plays a big role in this.

Drugs also play a big role

Being a border area, this state remained a soft target for drug smuggling. Cannabis, opium and even synthetic drugs are easily available here. This is also a reason for attraction for Israeli tourists. They come. After spending a long time in low-budget, they return as per their wish. Since the local people’s economy benefits from this, they try not to interfere with their lifestyle. However, from time to time there were talks that Israeli mafia was becoming active in Himachal.

Start doing some work in the country itself

Even after the money runs out, the Israelis do not return immediately, but instead find some other work. Like they invite their friends and acquaintances from Israel to come to India and in return become their tourist guides. Many Israelis also start training café or hotel owners to prepare Israeli food. In this way, they earn enough money to survive and the work continues.

Apart from Himachal, the movement of Israeli tourists has also increased in Pushkar, Goa and Hampi of Rajasthan. This is also being called backpacking diplomacy, i.e. an attempt to strengthen the relationship between two countries through tourism. This not only improves the economy but also improves diplomatic relations.