Remembering the contribution made by the Indians and Jews in the Royal Air Force, the British Indian Jews Association (BIJA) organised an event called “Hidden Heroes” on 3 February 2022 at the RAF museum in Colindale, London.
Speaking at the event, journalist and renowned author Shrabani Basu hailed the Indian fighters in the two world wars and said, “Despite social prejudices, Indian pioneers joined the RAF in both world wars." Shrabani has authored so many books including “Victoria and Abdul”, which is based on the true story of Queen Victoria and her closest confidant Abdul and is now a major motion picture.
RAF museum ambassador, author and historian Joshua Levine praised the contribution of the Jewish community in the second world war. He indicated that their contribution was disproportionately large for a very small population in the world.
RAF museum CEO Maggie Appleton and Advinia Health Care CEO Sanjeev Kanoria also hailed the unsung heroes.
The event was attended by over 150 people from the Indian and Jewish communities including Air Vice-Marshal Simon Edwards (Assistant Chief of Air Staff of the RAF) and the current and former Chairs of AJEX, Dan Fox and Mike Bluestone.
Assistant Chief of Air Staff of the RAF, Air Vice-Marshal Simon Edwards said, “The Hidden Heroes event brought together the Indian and the Jewish communities. We heard about the outstanding contributions of the RAF by members of those communities. At the same time, new relationships and connections were made. The event highlighted the historic and current diversity of RAF personnel.”
Co-Chairs of BIJA, Zaki Cooper and Dr Peter Chadha said, “It was fantastic to be back together in person for a BIJA event after a two year hiatus, especially being surrounded by War-time aircraft. The history of the Indian and the Jewish contribution to the RAF and the military is a long and distinguished one.”
Zaki acknowledged the presence of CB Patel, Publisher/Editor of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar among the audience and called him one of the main pioneers in bringing the Indian and Jewish communities together in the UK, helping in the foundation of BIJA.”
CB addressing the guests said, “The Indian and Jewish communities have a rich culture of coexistence. Both the communities have abilities to integrate with the local culture of the region. The two countries have an extensive and praiseworthy economic, military and political relationship."
