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Iran has attacked Israel's important city Dimona. The Israeli Nuclear Research Center is located in this city. The center has not suffered any damage in the attack. No loss of life has been reported. Yes, some buildings have definitely been damaged. In return, Israel has also given a befitting reply to Iran. Tension has increased in Dimona after this accident. This special city has also attracted the attention of the world. Dimona is a very strategically sensitive city. It is also known as Mini India.

Amidst the increasing tension between Israel and Iran, the name of the city of Dimona is resonating all over the world. Recently, during Iran's missile and drone attacks, an attempt was made to target Dimona. This strategic city of Israel has a very deep and emotional relationship with India. That is why Dimona is also called Israel's Mini India. Know the 8 reasons behind calling it Mini India.

A: Large population of Indian immigrants

A large part of the total population of Dimona consists of Jews of Indian origin. In the 1950s and 1960s, a large number of Jewish families from Maharashtra, Kerala and Ahmedabad in India settled here. Today, in the streets of this city you can see Indian faces and glimpses of Indian culture at every step.

Along with the Jews, Indian faces are also seen in the streets of Dimona. Photo: Pixabay

Two: Indian taste in food

While strolling in the markets of Dimona, you will smell the same aroma of spices that comes in any market in India. Even today, dishes like dal-rice, chapati, poha and vada-pav are prepared and eaten with enthusiasm in the homes here. There are many shops here where spices and pickles imported from India are still available in abundance.

Poha. Photo: Pixabay

Three: Passion for cricket

Israel is a country where football and basketball are more popular, but cricket dominates in Dimona. People of Indian origin here are crazy about cricket. There are cricket grounds in the city and local teams play matches among themselves. This is a major center of engagement between India and Israel through sports.

Four: Bollywood and the magic of music

Movies from Raj Kapoor to Shahrukh Khan are watched in Dimona's house. People here are fond of old Hindi songs. Dancing on Bollywood songs on the occasion of weddings and festivals has become a tradition here. Sometimes Hindi songs are also heard on the radio stations here.

Raj Kapoor.

Five: Marathi and other Indian languages

The surprising thing is that the older generation of Dimona still talks among themselves in Marathi or their mother tongue. They have kept their language alive. The new generation here may speak Hebrew, but they respect their Indian roots and language.

Six: Religious and cultural equality

Indian Jews living in Dimona have a blend of Indian culture in their religious traditions. For example, the Mehndi ceremony is performed in the weddings here, which is basically an Indian tradition. They celebrate their festivals with the same enthusiasm as it is celebrated in India.

Demona'sMehndi ceremony is performed in weddings, which is basically an Indian tradition. Photo: Pixabay

Seven: Unwavering love for India

The people of Dimona consider themselves Israeli citizens, but their hearts beat for India. Whenever any big event or cricket match happens in India, people here celebrate or pray. They consider India as their motherland and Israel as their fatherland.

Eight: Strategic importance and Indian contribution

Dimona is an important industrial city of Israel. There is also a nuclear research center here. Indian immigrants have worked hard for the development here. The labor of the Indian community has a big contribution in making this city situated in the middle of the desert green and livable.

8 thousand people of Indian origin live in Dimona, which has a population of 25 thousand. Photo: Getty Images

The population of Dimona is only 25 thousand.

The total population of Dimona city is said to be around 25 thousand. Among them, there are about seven to eight thousand people of Indian origin. This city is spread over about 30 square kilometers. Most of the people living here are Indian-Jewish families, whose roots are believed to be from Maharashtra, Kerala and other parts of India. Dimona is not important only because of the nuclear center. It is a major center of the Indian-Jewish community.

It is an important urban center of the Negev region and an important city in the desert region of southern Israel. There are also jobs related to industry, mineral processing and manufacturing around Dimona. The city is also known for settlement, employment and infrastructure development in the Negev desert.

Dimona Nuclear Plant. Photo: Getty Images

Iran's attack and security of Dimona

Recently there has been a direct conflict between Iran and Israel. Iran tried to target areas of the Negev desert located near Dimona. Dimona is very sensitive for Israel because Israel's nuclear reactor is located here. These attacks by Iran have also created concern among the people of Indian origin living in Dimona. Israel's defense systems like Iron Dome and Arrow have foiled these threats to a great extent. The people of Dimona are maintaining their courage even amidst the horrors of war.

Solar Energy Development Center of Dimona city. Photo: Uriel Sinai/Getty Images

Dimona is not just a city, but it is a living symbol of the friendship between India and Israel. This city situated in the scorching heat of the desert reminds us how even after moving thousands of miles away, people do not forget their culture and roots. Today when Dimona is facing security challenges, people in India too are praying for the safety of their brothers settled there. This city proves that even though languages ​​and borders may be different, the threads of culture and memories are very strong. That is why Dimona will always remain Israel's Mini India.