Indian’s 1971 War Hero Lt Gen J F R Jacob Honoured By Israel With Plaque At Its Wall Of Honour

Giving a symbolic punch to the growing Indian-Israeli ties, Israel to Tuesday (30 April) honoured Lt. Gen (retd) Jack Farj Rafael (JFR) Jacob, who negotiated the historic surrender of Pakistani troops in Dhaka after the 1971 Bangladesh’s liberation war, with a plaque on the famous Wall of Honour at the Ammunition Hill, reports Press Trust of India.

"Lt. Gen. JFR Jacob's illustrious life will remain a source of inspiration for all Indians. It is my belief that by unveiling the wall plaque here today, the memory of this great soldier and fine man will usher even greater bonds of friendship between the peoples of India and Israel," said India's Ambassador to Israel, Pavan Kapoor.

The Wall of Honour is a tribute to the valiant Jewish soldiers who fought in the defence of their countries they lived in “implementing values of bravery, loyalty, commitment and dedication to a mission, leadership, creativity, camaraderie and sanctity of life”.

“The Wall has plaques honouring more than 340 people comprising privates, high ranking army officers, women, front line fighters and humble members of supporting units who embodied these virtues”, a senior official at the Ammunition Hill told PTI.

One of the most prominent members of the India's small but influential Jewish community, Lt. Gen. Jacob died in 2016 at the age of 92. During his life, apart from serving the Indian Army, he had also served as the governor of Punjab and Goa.

The movement to honour Lt Gen Jacob at the Ammunition Hill was initiated by an Indian Jew named Sam Marshall in association with an Indian born Jewish Judge, Abe Sofaer of the United States.