The Testimony of Uncle Moses – An Indian Jew Who Fought In The Yom Kippur War

Turning the tide of battle 

On the 15th & 16th October: The ground forces in the valley below intended to use rolling bridges to cross the Suez Canal, a plan they’d later abandon. General Ariel Sharon had already crossed onto the other side with a small force in order to secure the bridgehead. Moses and Yossi belonged to his unit. Moses talks in awe and admiration of General Sharon, who he served under, has spoken to and holds in high regard. 

17th October: the IDF opted to use landing crafts and reached a spot near the Suez Canal known as the ‘Chinese Farm.’ It was aptly named by the Israeli Army because they found Japanese-made equipment and mistook the Japanese writing in the machinery instructions for Chinese script (an easy mistake).

He vividly remembers one incident: A well-built Ashkenazi tractor driver smoking a cigarette drove by them and they waved to each other. He looked at Moses with curiosity, he obviously hadn’t seen an Indian Jew before. Moses says that he never smoked, even though it was very common practice in the army back then. Before the advance, he said his prayers and psalms and asked Elohim to bring him back alive! 

While advancing, he saw through the binoculars as the Ashkenazi tractor driver who waved at him was blown to smithereens. The Israeli Air Force returned fire and the Chinese Farm was demolished, the end of that epic-named location. 

“Upon advancing towards the entrance we came under heavy Egyptian artillery fire from the direction of Ismailia. We sought cover and I remember a destroyed tank and Dovra craft. We received an aircraft alert and the gunners and spotters were asked to take our positions on our batteries.” 

Yosi went up to the gun emplacement first and normally the first one up assumes the position of the gunner to save time and the second person provisionally becomes the ‘spotter’. 

This time Yosi said “No Moses, I’ll retain my position as spotter.” No time to argue! Heavy fire from the Egyptians ensued. 

Legacy 

Moses continued to contribute to Israel and India in a positive way long after his life as a soldier. He was involved in the Israel Aircraft Industries Ltd (IAI) where he founded the Acoustic Department and also taught at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. 

In 1993, Moses was appointed Director and given the task of establishing the Liaison Office of Israel Aircraft (later Aerospace) Industries in New Delhi, India. Over his four year tenure, sales to India went from zero to US$ 450 million.

He and his late wife Beatrice, were also involved at the Judah Hyam Synagogue in New Delhi where they refurbished and installed many items and made it a site a monumental religious site worth visiting.