Jack Jacob, the highest ranking military officer in the history of the Indian Jewish community, has died at the age 92.
Lieutenant General Jacob, who was also a statesman and prominent member of the country’s community, died of pneumonia in New Delhi on Wednesday.
He commanded the Eastern Army during the liberation of Bangladesh from Pakistan in 1971 and negotiated the surrender of Pakistani troops after the war.
He recounted the episode in his book “Surrender at Dacca: Birth of a Nation” in 1997.
President of the Commonwealth Jewish Council Lord Mendelsohn said: “Lt Gen Jack Jacob, the celebrated Indian war hero was a proud Indian and a proud Jew. He was a founder of the Commonwealth Jewish Council and made a huge contribution to its work. His great service will be fondly remembered by the communities across the Commonwealth."
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted his condolences and said India “will always remain grateful to him for his impeccable service to the nation at the most crucial moments”.
Born in 1923 in Calcutta, British India, Lt Gen Jacob came from a long line of Baghdadi Jews. He enlisted in the British Indian army in 1942 and rose through the ranks.
After retirement from the military in 1978 he became governor of the Indian States of Goa and Punjab.
He visited Israel on several occasions and developed close friendships with leaders Shimon Peres and Yitzhak Rabin.
