Jerusalem: Eliyahu Bezalel, the Indian-origin entrepreneur and pioneering agriculturist who transformed Israel’s Negev desert into fertile farmland, passed away on Sunday at the age of 95.

Born in Chendamangalam, Kerala, Bezalel emigrated to Israel in 1955 at the age of 25. Though he built his life abroad, he remained deeply attached to his Malayali roots, often recalling that his native village had “taught him the spirit of co-existence”.

Bezalel’s journey was extraordinary. Beginning as a shepherd in Israel, he went on to establish himself as one of the country’s most celebrated agriculturists. In 1959, he began cultivating gladioli bulbs in the Negev, exporting them successfully to Holland. His innovations soon earned him recognition, including the Best Exporter award from Prime Minis

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