JEWS IN BOMBAY

A Historical Perspective

VARUN KAPADIA
2017
JEWS IN BOMBAY
A Historical Perspective

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

BRIEF HISTORY OF JEWS IN INDIA

THE JEWS IN BOMBAY

PROMINENT JEWS OF BOMBAY

JEWISH CULTURE IN BOMBAY

NARIMAN HOUSE ATTACK

NARENDRA MODIS VISIT TO ISRAEL

CITATIONS

1
INTRODUCTION

The history of Jews and Judaism has always fascinated me. I attended a Model United
Nations (MUN) Conference in 2015 where I was in a Middle Eastern Committee on the
Gaza conflict. This sparked my interest in the history of Israel and Palestine. After
studying about the Second World War in school, and the role of Jews in it I was
prompted to read beyond just my textbooks. I started reading articles and various
online sources to expand my knowledge on the topic. I was motivated to do an online
course on the history of Israel, taught by professors of the Tel Aviv University. The
course confirmed my eagerness and curiosity about related topics and that enabled to
make connections to what I was learning in school regarding Jews and the Second
World War. After completing this course with distinction, I wanted to engage in my own
research. I thought that doing a research paper on Jews in my own city would be really
interesting and I would learn a lot more from actually finding out about real life Jews
around me. I was inspired to research on how the Jews arrived in India, their culture in
Mumbai and their legacy. Through a combination of research and authentic interviews I
was able to understand Jewish culture and recognize the uniqueness of the religion.

This research paper intends to provide information on the origins of Jews in Mumbai,
their legacy, their culture and their connection to Israel. I hope to keep the legacy of
Judaism in Mumbai alive through my research and spread awareness about how they
have contributed to the community.

2
BRIEF HISTORY OF JEWS IN INDIA

The history of the Jews in India reaches back to ancient times. Judaism was one of the
early foreign religious to arrive in India. The Jews primarily settled in three regions of
the country. These regions are Cochin, Kolkata and Mumbai. It is important to note
that the Jewish community has lined in India without any instances of antisemitism.
The Jews in India have assimilated a large number of local traditions and diffused it with
their own traditions creating a unique cultural diffusion.

India has a legacy of three distinct Jewish groups: The Bene Israel, the Cochin Jews and
the White Jews. Jewish merchants from Europe travelled to India in the medieval
period for trade but it is not very clear when they formed permanent settlements in
India. Jews in India are divided into three distinct groups as per their based on their
geographical location in the country the Cochin Jews, the Baghdadi Jews and the Bene
Israeli. Each of these groups arrived at different periods of time and firmed their
unique Jewish identity based on the historical forces prevalent at that time.

Three Jewish groups in India.

3
The Cochin Jews arrived in Kerala in the 15th century and were warmly received by the
local ruler. The Bene Israel arrived around 1600 years ago when they were
shipwrecked on the Konkan coast near Bombay. The Baghdadi Jews came to India in
19th century and primarily came to India as traders in search of business opportunities.
They created a strong entrepreneurial class and primarily settled in Kolkata and Surat.

According to Professor Nathan Katz The study of Indian Jewish communities

demonstrates that in Indian culture an immigrant group status precisely by maintaining
its own identity. The Jewish community in India not only maintained their own
identity but also imbibed local traditions to form a unique cultural identity.

After Israels independence in 1948 a large number of Jews left India in the hope of
going back to their motherland. While most went in the hope of a better lifestyle and
propriety, breaking ties with India was not easy.

For the purpose of this study the focus will be on the Jewish community in Bombay and
their influence on the city.

4
THE JEWS IN BOMBAY
Jews started settling in Mumbai during the 18th century due to its economic
opportunities. They consisted of three distinct communities: The Bene Israel Jews of
Konkan, the Cochin Jews of Malabar and the Baghdadi Jews of Iraq.

Jewish Community along the coast of Bombay

The Bene Israel are probably the only Jewish community in the world today which did
not experience anti-Semitism. Tradition recounts that during the voyage form Israel,
the forefathers of the Bene Israel were shipwrecked and washed ashore on the Konkan
coast, south of Bombay. The survivors were offered shelter by the local inhabitants and
decided to settle permanently in the Konkan villages. The Bene Israel adopted the local
language of Marathi and were engaged in the occupation of oil pressing. They
integrated substantially with the local population, however, they were clearly
differentiated because of their adherence to Judaism. The foundation of a permanent
Jewish settlement in Bombay was laid in the second half of the 18th century by the Bene
Israel who gradually moved from their villages in the Konkan region to Bombay to look
jobs and economic opportunities. In 1746, the first Bene Israel family the Divekar
family moved to Bombay to work for the East India Company. Encouraged by the
success of this family more Bene Israel moved to Bombay and many enlisted with the
British forces. They built their first synagogue in Bombay in 1796 on the initiative of
S.E. Divekar. Cochin Jews from Malabar also started moving to Bombay in the late 18th

5
century and they strengthened the Bene Israel in their religious revival. With the
opportunities of higher education in Bombay, the bene Israel community turned to
white collar work and in the course of time produced renowned doctors, lawyers,
professors and civil servants.

Bene Israel Ladies in Alibaug, Near Bombay.

The Divekar Family (First Bene Israel Family to move to Bombay)

6
The next large wave of immigrants to Bombay consisted of Jewish Merchants from
Syria, Iraq and Mesopotamia. They were known as Baghdadi Jews and were Arab
speaking. The Arab speaking Jewish colony in Bombay was further enhanced by the
infuse of other Arabian Jews from Surat who came to Bombay for economic
opportunities. The history of the Baghdadi Jews in Bombay centers on David Sassoon
and his sons. Although there existed a small community of Baghdadi Jews in Mumbai
as early as the 18th century, this nascent community did not come into its own until the
arrival of David Sassoon who came to Bombay whilst fleeing persecution in Baghdad in
1833. David Sassoon (1792 1864) was an industrialist and philanthropist who became
a leading figure of the Jewish community in India. The economic prosperity of this
community took place under the leadership of Sassoon with his trading empire
expanding across West Asia, Hong Kong, Japan and Great Britain. It is important to
note that Sassoon and his descendants preferred to recruit staff for their operations
from the community and this resulted in the general prosperity of the community in
Bombay. By the late 19th century this family owned 11 mills in the city and employed
around 15000 people.

The contribution of the Baghdadi Jews and David Sassoon in particular, to the built
heritage of Bombay has been far in excess of their small numbers. Many of the
educational, cultural and civic institutions as well as hospitals and synagogues in
Bombay owe their existence to the munificence of the Sassoon Dock in Colaba, the
David Sassoon Library and Reading Room in Kala Ghoda and the Magen David
Synagogue in Byculla.

7
Kala Ghoda & Magen David Synagogue

Unlike the Benes Israel, the Arabic Jews in Bombay did not assimilate the language of
their neighbors, but carried their Judeo Arabic language and literature and continued to
regard Baghdad as their spiritual center. They established their own synagogues, the
Magen David synagogue in Byculla (1861) and the Kneseth Elijah in Fort (1888). A
weekly periodical Donesh Tov le Ammo was also published from 1855 to 1866.

In the early 20th century, the prosperity of Bombay and the political events in Europe
bought a number of European Jews to the city many of whom were active as scientist,
physicians, industrialists and merchants. Commercial life in Bombay was also
stimulated by visits of Zionist emissaries. The Jewish population in Bombay steadily
increased from around 5000 in the 1830s to around 10,000 by the turn of the century.
When the British withdrew from India in 1947 and with the establishment of the State
of Israel in 1948, the Jewish community of Bombay started diminishing due to
emigration back to Israel. In the early 21st century, the Jewish population of Bombay
was estimated to be around 2700. The city remains the last major center of organized
8
Jewish life in India. There are 8 synagogues in Mumbai 6 belong to the Bene Israel
community and 2 to be Baghdadi Jews.

Indian Jews Community Conference

9
PROMINENT JEWS OF BOMBAY

DAVID SASSOON (1832 1864)

David Sassoon was the most important community leader of the Jews in India. A
history of the Jews of Bombay reads as history of the legacy of David Sassoon. This
legacy extends far beyond the city of Bombay and into the histories of the Jews of
Myanmar, Singapore, Hong Kong and China.

David Sassoon was born in Baghdad in 1832. When David Sassoon, who like his father
served as treasure to the governors of Baghdad, clashed with one of them, Dand Pasha,
he moved his family to Persia in 1826 and then to Bombay by 1832.

Sasoon Family Migration Map

10
Sassoon initially owned a counting house and a carpet warehouse, but soon began
trading in everything he could including, most profitably, opium. Sassoon established a
triangle of trade, bringing Indian opium and cotton to China, where he received silver,
tea and silk in exchange. He then carried these products to England for sale. Finished
products from Britain, as well as cash, were then brought back to India where they
were used to buy more opium. By the 1870s Sassoon had come to dominate the
opium trade and pushed his competitions out of business. David Sasoon had eight sons
and all went into one branch or another of the familys business empire which had
expanded to Canton, Shanghai and Hong Kong. According to Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy,
a prominent Parsi in Bombay and a contemporary of Sasoon --- the chief cause of
David Sassoons success was the use he made of his sons

David Sasoon (Seated) with his sons Elias David, Albert & Sasoon David.

11
David Sasoon Family Tree

Opium Trade route between India & China

The Indo-Chinese opium trade

12
As the Sassoon wealth grew so did their munificence the Sassoon had established an
excellent relationship with the British and exploited it to the fullest. They owned large
tracks of land in Byculla and other areas of Bombay. They built synagogues, gardens,
hospitals, schools and colleges in Bombay and Pune. David Sassoon actively pursued
his role as a community leader. He was known in the secular world for his leadership as
the mayor of Bombay, his business skills and for his extensive philanthropy.

The family legacy in Bombay includes the Sassoon Hospital within the JJ Hospital
complex, the David Sassoon Library and Reading Room, Sasoon Head Office in Ballard
Estate, the Royal Institute of Science, Flora Fountain, the Victoria and Albert Museum,
the Sassoon Docks, Magen David Synagogue and the Gateway of India.

David Sasoon Library & Reading Room

Gateway of India

13
David Sassoon spent 32 fruitful years in Bombay providing leadership and employment
to the Jewish community in the city. He built a palatial mansion for himself in Byculla
called Sans Souci. Sans Souci still exists and is now a hospital.

Sans Souci, Byculla, Bombay Residence of David Sasoon which is now Masina
Hospital.

David Sassoon died on November 07, 1864 in Pune. His son Albert Sassoon took over
the leadership of the vast Sassoon business interests. Albert Sassoon soon migrated to
London and married into the very wealthy Rothschild family and was elected to the
British Parliament. Eventually six of David Sassoons eight sons migrated, leaving
behind very few Sassoon in Mumbai. It is interesting to note that the Sassoon familys
involvement with Bombay was limited to 2 or 3 generations, but the beautiful
monuments and institutions that they have left behind are a lasting legacy.

14
DAVID ABRAHIM CHEULKAR (1909 1981)

It is important to note that Jews had a formative role in the shaping of Bollywood. This
came about in the early 20th century when it was taboo for Hindu and Muslim to be
part of the film industry. However, the Jewish community was more liberal and
educated and were inspired by the Jews in Hollywood. There were many actors and
actress but the most prominent and respected person was David Abraham Cheulkar.

David Abraham Cheulkar, popularly known as David was a Jewish Indian film actor and
a member of the Bene Isreal community. In a career spanning four decades he acted in
over 110 films. David graduated from the University of Mumbai with a Bachelor of Arts
in 1930. After a 6 year unsuccessful struggle to find a job he tried his luck in Hindi film
industry by becoming a professional actor. He was also actively involved with theatre
and encouraged a number of young actors into theater and films. He was also a well
known anchor and compere for a host of prominent award shows and functions. He
was significantly involved in promoting sports and also served as Indias representative
to the Olympic Games. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1969 by the Government of
India. He never married and died in Toronto in 1972.

15
NISSIM EZEKIEL (1924 2004)

Nissim Ezekiel was an Indian Jewish poet, actor, playwright, editor and an
academincian. He was a prominent figure in postcolonial Indias literary history,
especially for Indian writing in English.

Ezekiel was born on 16 December 1924 in Mumbai. His father was a professor of
botany at Wilson College and his mother was a school principal. The Ezekiel belonged
to Mumbais Jewish community known as the Bene Israel. Nissim Ezekiel earned a BA
in literature from University of Mumbai in 1947 and sailed to England to study
philosophy at Birkbeck College, London in 1948. He returned back to India in 1952. He
initially worked as an advertising copywriter and as a general manager in picture frame
company. He gradually ventured into the academics and headed the English
department of Mithibai College in Mumbai (1961 1972)

He was the author of a number of books on poetry and also edited anthologies of
Indian fiction and poetry. In 1976, he translated Jawaharlal Nehrus poetry from
English to Marathi and also coedited a fiction and poetry anthology with Vrinda Nabar.
He was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1983 for his poetry collection Latter
Day Psalms by Indias National Academy of letters. He was honored with the
Padmashri award by the President of India in 1988. After a prolonged battle with
Alzheimers disease, Nissim Ezekiel died in Mumbai on 9th January 2004.
16
JEWISH CULTURE IN BOMBAY (ORAL INTERVIEWS)

EMRON SAMUEL (Jewish Banker in Mumbai)

It was quite interesting to find out about Jews in Mumbai and if they were practicing
their customs and traditions in an urban, fast-paced life. According to Jewish tradition,
after the sun would set on Friday Jews were to practice Shabbat. They believe that God
created the world in 6 days and on the 7th day, He rested.

Above are pictures of the small Sefer Torah that the Samuels kept at their home

Shabbat is a day of rest and celebration that begins on Friday at sunset and ends on the
following evening after nightfall. Jews are forbidden to do any work on the day of
Shabbat, as they are meant to treat this day as a day of rest, to connect with family and
friends. They are forbidden from driving, cooking, working or operating any electrical
appliances like television. After an interview with successful Jewish banker Emron
Samuel, I was able to understand the daily customs that urban Jews followed. Through
the interview he mentioned that not many Jews in urban cities like Bombay were
orthodox in practice and followed the rules of Shabbat perfectly. He recognized that
the sages of the Talmud enumerate 39 forbidden acts; things not to do on Shabbat;

17
however, it is not easy to practice orthodox customs. The Samuel family went on to
provide information about how in fact orthodox Jews would use heating plates to heat
up their food before sunset on Friday in order to have warm meals for the next 25
hours. The Samuel family; however do light candles before the onset of Shabbat and
say a special blessing to commemorate the peaceful evening. The family even engaged
me in the welcoming of the Shabbat and while lighting the candles, they showed me
their very own Sefer Torah. The Torah comprises of the first part of the Bible, the most
important one. Emron told me that usually all Jews keep a handwritten scroll of the
Torah in their homes, whereas the synagogues keep the enormous Sifrei Torah;
however the contents are the same which is the Five Books of Moses.

Alongside is a picture of me during the lighting of the candles to commence Shabbat,

at the Samuel family household. They were even kind enough to make me wear the
Kippah or the Jewish brimless cap.

18
RABI ARIEL ,Rabbi
(Rabi of Magen Hassidim Synagogue, Mumbai)

When I went to meet the Rabbi

Rabi (Jewish priest) of the Magen Hassidim Synagogue in
Mumbai, he showed me the Torah that they kept inside the synagogue and it was
evidently much bigger than the one that the Samuel family kept inside their home.
After asking Rabbi
Rabi Ariel a few questions, he made me realize that being a Rabi,
Rabbi he had no

choice but to practice orthodox Jewish customs. He said that in a busy city like Mumbai,
it is not easy to practice certain orthodox Jewish norms; however, he did it for his own
soul and to attain happiness in life. Intrigued to know how he was qualified, I asked
him where he learned to read Hebrew and be a priest. He told me that the number of
Jewish Institutions in Mumbai were only few, and in order to become a Rabi,
Rabbi one must

study in Israel and pass certain examinations. He told me that many families settle in
Israel as the working opportunities for Jews are abundant as compared to places like
Mumbai; however, since he had grown up in India, he chose to stay there. When I
asked him if he were concerned about the dwindling population of Jews in India, he
said that it is inevitable for it to happen; however, there are a significant number of
Jews keeping the culture and legacy alive.

Exterior of Magen Hassidim Synagogue, Byculla, Mumbai

19
Interior of Magen Hassidim Synagogue, Byculla, Mumbai

Interior of Magen Hassidim Synagogue, Byculla, Mumbai

20
RALPHY JHIRAD (Jewish Scholar, Mumbai)

Mumbai based Jewish scholar Ralphy Jhirad claimed that the Bene Israel community
was different from rest of the world. According to Ralphy, when they first arrived in
India after the shipwreck, they lost all their religious books and they based their
religious practices on 3 things Shabbat, Kashrut, and Brit Milah. They kept Kashrut
completely, Shabbat to a large extent and continued the Brit Milah. The Bene Israel
community lost contact with Isael for centuries. When asked about the culture in a
multi-diverse country like India Ralphy said that Bene Israelis chose to live near Muslim
neighbourhoods and there was an obvious reason for that. The reason being that they
did not want to disturb the sentiments of Hindu communities. Jews ate Kosher meat
whereas Hindus did not even touch meat. I found it very interesting to hear him speak
of Jewish practices to accept Hindu culture into Jewish community. For example, Jews
ate Hindu traditional foods like puran-poli which Hindus make on their festival called
Holi. This action was a way to express the acceptance of their culture into our
culture, as Ralphy Jhirad said however he went on to say that the Bene Israeli
communities in India did not encourage their children to marry Hindu children.

SOLOMON JONATHAN ERULKAR (Indian Jew settled in Australia)

Solomon said that he spent his childhood and most of his days as a youngster in Pune.
Pune was the city in which he did his schooling and was introduced and developed a
passion for the game of cricket, which is the main sport of India. We as Indians dont
think that Indian Jews or Israeli Jews are into the game of cricket. Erulkar went on to
contradict the generalization on Indian Jews and claimed that they really were heavily
involved in the sport and it became part of their culture and daily lives. We took a lot
to the game of cricket, being the main game of the country. When Erulkar traveled to
Israel in 1975 he realized that the Bene Israelis over there were also very heavily
involved into the game and those communities played as well. This way they formed a
strong connection. Erulkar even went on to give additional information on the Bene
Israel Community in Melbourne. In a country like Australia where cricket is popular as
well, the Bene Israel Community had a strong and vibrant connection over the sport.

21
NARIMAN HOUSE ATTACK

Nariman House is a fire storey structure in the Colaba area of South Mumbai. The
building was home to a Chabad house, a Jewish outreach center run by Gavriel and
Rivka Holtzberg. Nariman House had a synagogue, an educational center and a hostel
for Jews visiting Mumbai. It is one of 4000 such houses in 73 countries, typically run by
husband and wife couples. Nariman House was known as Chabad house was opened in
2003 by Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg. It catered to Israel is visiting Mumbai,
travelling Jewish businessmen and the citys local Jewish community. The Holtzberg ran
a synagogue, taught Torah classes and also conducted weddings for local Jews.

Nariman House was seized and attacked during the November 2008 Mumbai terror
attacks. But why was Nariman House where in the Jewish center only a few people
were staying, attacked?

Nariman House (Chabad House) Colaba, Bombay.

22
In hindsight the reasons are obvious. It is Pakistans intense desire and need to spoil
relations between India and Israel. It is important to note that Pakistans foreign policy
has had one paramount objective: to upset the relationship between India and Israel so
that Indias supply of arms and military hardware from Israel would be affected. This is
apparent based on the exchanges between the terrorists and their handlers in Karachi
as quoted by Sandeep Unnithan in his book Black Torando. Quoting from his book,
Sajid Mir, the Karachi based handler of Babar Imran, the terrorist tells him on his
cellphone: Israel has made a request through diplomatic channels to save the
hostages. If the hostages are killed, it will spoil the relations between India and Israel.

To those who love Mumbai and know its history, the brutal massacre at Nariman House
has a special tragic dimension. The contribution of the Jewish community to the
development of the metropolis has been immense. The Jews found a safe haven in the
city and contributed significantly to build it.

Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg.who were killed in the Nariman House Attack.

23
Fortunately, this tragic incident did not affect the relationship between Israel and India.
On the contrary this incident played a big role in strengthening the ties between the
two countries. Nariman House was reopened in 2014, six years after the horrific attack.
The refurbished Chabad House has a synagogue, a cafeteria and a function room for the
Jewish community. The top two floors have been converted into a museum with the
damage from the bullets and grenades left intact to serve as a reminder of the tragedy.
In the synagogue, candles mark the spot where Rivka Holtzberg and his wife were shot
dead. The stairwell is adorned by pictures of the couple and their young child Moshe
who luckily survived the attack.

In the words of Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky who helped rebuild this center I think this is
really a message for the whole world. You can overcome challenges, even the most
horrific of challenges. You can and must rebuild and this project serves as a beacon of
light and hope that evil will not prevail.

It is truly heartening that since the attacks the center has continued its work at various
temporary locations across the city and for the opening of the refurbished Chabad
House, 25 rabbis from across Asia gathered as a sign of solidarity. Were not moving
into a new building we are returning to our original building and will be continuing
and expanding all the activities that took place here said Rabbi Kozlovsky, the new co-
director of the center with his wife Chaya.

Restored Nariman House In 2014

24
The following is a list of civilians who lost their lives in the dreadful attack at Nariman
House.

Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg Age 29 (USA & Israel)

Rebbetzin Rivka Holtzberg Age 28 (Israel)
Bentzion Kruman Age 26 (USA & Israel)
Rabbi Leibish Teitelbaum Age 37 (USA)
Yocheved Orpaz Age 62 (Israel)
Norma Shvarzblat Rabinovitch Age 50 (Mexico)

Although none of the Jews killed in the terrorist assault on Nariman House were Inidan
citizens, the attacks have badly shaken Jews in India. this is the first time when a Jew
has been targeted in India because he is a Jew said Jonathan Solomon, a Mumbai
lawyer and president of the Indian Jewish Federation. The tradition of the last
thousand years has been breached.

25
INDIAN PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA MODIS VISIT TO ISRAEL

India and Israels history share several similarities despite their clear ideological and
cultural uniqueness. Both countries, being former British colonies, had a post
independence period of an absence of full diplomatic relations.

Indias founding fathers allowed for rigorously anti-Zionist views, condemning Jewish
aspirations in Palestine and making hostile comparisons between creation of Pakistan
to the creation of the Jewish state. The relationship has always been a balancing act
given India's sizeable Muslim population and the country's dependence on oil imports
from Arab countries and Iran.

India declined to recognize in full diplomatic relations with Isreal and even became one
of the main critics of Israel in the United Nations.

The abrupt end of the Cold War made Indian diplomats contemplate on the archaic
assumptions on which Indias foreign policy with regard to Israel really was. The
Government realized that engaging with Israel granted India many strategic, economic
and diplomatic benefits. Resultedly, in 1992 extended full diplomatic recognition was
given to Israel.

The two countries have indeed made up for the lost time, and have realized that they
share a balance of interests in a range of different topics, from counter-terrorism to
water security. However, although collaboration was thriving, the notion of the normal
condition still felt incomplete. India preferred to engage in cooperation with the Jewish
state largely out of the public eye for many of the same reasons that had motivated its

26
Israel policy during the Cold War. India also seemed reluctant about expanding its
political relationship. Prime Minister Ariel Sharon visited India in 2003, but an Indian
head of state had yet to make a reciprocal visit despite repeated invitations from the
Israeli leadership over the years.

The ties between India and Israel had previously reached its optimistic peak under
Modis BJP predecessor: A.B. Vajpayee. Modis trip to Israel was the final step in
completely normalizing relations between the two countries. The trip, signaled that
India is able to maintain distinct relations with the two conflicting nations, despite the
conflict. Modi had visited Israel in 2006 as chief minister of the Indian state of Gujarat
and was effusive in his praise for the Jewish state and its people. His views on Islamist
terrorism grew him closer to Isreals prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Just as
experts had predicted after his election in 2014, he prompted a diplomatic renaissance
between India and Israel. For years, Isreal and India have been collaboratively working
on counter-terrorism and defense issues. According to Reuters, India is now Israel's
biggest arms market which is estimated to be worth about $1bn (770m) per year.
India aim to be Working to modernize its military to counter China and Pakistan.

27
Mr Netanyahu has described Mr Modi's visit as "historic", saying it would "deepen co-
operation in a wide range of fields - security, agriculture, water, energy - basically in
almost every field Israel is involved in".

Mr Modi also expected to meet an Israeli boy, Moshe Holtzberg, whose parents were
killed when gunmen stormed a Jewish centre in Mumbai during a 2008 terror attack.

PM Narenrda Modi meeting Moshe Holtzberg whose parents were killed in the
Nariman House attack.

Modi, the first prime minister to visit Israel, has attempted to completely normalize 25
year old relations with Israel. Through this trip, not only were economic and defence
issues discussed, but also an entire armada of brotherhood and goodwill was created
between Indian and Israeli diplomats. Although defence issues first started to be
discussed due to the threat of Pakistan to India decades ago, presently there is a great
deal beyond than just this threat keeping the diplomacy running for the two countries.

28
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community-of-bombay-india.

Sapir, Saul. Bombay: Exploring the Jewish Urban Heritage. Caf Dissensus, Caf
Dissensus, 31 Dec. 2014, cafedissensus.com/2014/12/31/bombay-exploring-the-jewish-
urban-heritage/.

Borkar, Neha. Here Are 5 Things You May Not Know About India's Jewish
Community.Indiatimes.com, Indiatimes, 14 Mar. 2017,
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about-india-s-jewish-community-273173.html.

Sir Jacob Sassoon Synagogues & AlliedTrusts. Sir Jacob Sassoon Synagogues
AlliedTrusts, Jacob Sassoon Charity Trusts, www.jacobsassoon.com/synagogues/.

Kulshrestha, Parul. The Jews Of India. The Citizen, The Citizen , 17 Oct. 2017,
www.thecitizen.in/index.php/NewsDetail/index/8/9886/The-Jews-Of-India.

History of the Jews in India. Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 27 Sept. 2017,

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Jews_in_India.

Krishnan, Deepa. Mumbai Magic. David Sassoon - from Baghdad to Bombay , 14 Jan.
2014, mumbai-magic.blogspot.in/2014/01/david-sassoon-from-baghdad-to-
bombay.html.

Green, David B. 1864: Global Trade Tycoon David Sassoon Dies. Haaretz.com, 18 Jan.
2016, www.haaretz.com/jewish/this-day-in-jewish-history/1864-global-trade-tycoon-
david-sassoon-dies-1.475878.

29
Once upon a Time in Bombay. The Telegraph, 27 Oct. 2013,
www.telegraphindia.com/1131027/jsp/7days/17499576.jsp.

Weil , Shalva. Bene Israel of Mumbai, India. Beit Hatfutsot, Beit Hatfutsot,
www.bh.org.il/bene-israel-mumbai-india/.

Serene Existence. The New York Times, The New York Times, 2 Dec. 2008,
www.nytimes.com/2008/12/03/world/asia/03jews.html?mcubz=1.

Fischel, Walter Joseph, et al. Encyclopedia Judaica. Bene Israel, Encyclopedia Judaica,
2008, www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/bene-israel.

Ramamurthy, Prasad. These Mumbai Cemeteries Tell a Story. Cond Nast Traveller
India, Cond Nast Traveller India, 25 Jan. 2017, www.cntraveller.in/story/these-
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