The attempts to restore Jewish monuments in and around Kochi received a major boost with Ziv Shalvi Deputy Chief of Mission and Consular, Consulate General of Israel in Bangalore meeting Culture Minister K.C. Joseph on Monday and holding consultations in this regard.
Mr: Shalvi apprised the Minister of the interventions made by the Jews of Kochi on the Kerala society and economy over the past 2,500 years and their contributions to various segments. On the occasion, he also gifted a book on the history of Jews to the Minister. The meeting, which lasted about half an hour, was also attended by Sam Abraham and Susi Elias, president and secretary of the All Kerala Jewish Association. The Association also handed over a memorandum comprising various demands by the Jewish community in Kerala.
In his response, the Minister told the delegates about his visit to the Jewish cemetery in Kochi and steps initiated by the State government to protect the heritage site. Following the visit, the Minister had asked State Archaeology Department to prepare a blueprint for its restoration. A vestige of the city’s Jewish connection, the site has been in a state of neglect for several years now. Now, the government envisages converting the cemetery into a heritage site, the first step towards which will be to clear the thick overgrowth and vegetation.
The city alone boasted a robust population of over 2,500 Jews not so long ago.
The State currently boasts a Jewish population of just 42 people.