Mumbai's Jewish community observes International Holocaust Remembrance Day

Israel Consul general Kobbi Shoshani speaking at the event/ X

Members of Mumbai's Jewish community gathered to observe International Holocaust Remembrance Day, marked by the United Nations General Assembly on January 27. Maharashtra Governor Ramesh Bais joined a prayer meeting at the 'Keneseth Eliyahoo Synagogue' in the city.

The day honours the nearly 6 million Jews who lost their lives in Europe during and after World War II. Consul General of the US Mike Hankey, Consul General of Germany Achim Fabig, Consul General of Israel Kobbi Shoshani, Chairman of the Jacob Sassoon's Trust Solomon Sopher and other dignitaries attended the ceremony, ANI reported.

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According to the news agency ANI, Governor Bais presented a plaque commemorating the synagogue as part of the "The Jewish Route in Maharashtra" initiative. The gathering underlined the perseverance of European Jews, who, despite the catastrophe, achieved prosperity.

"Today we are commemorating the people who lost their lives in the most horrific event in human history... It is remarkable that European Jews not just rebuilt their lives but became among the most successful communities in the world," the Governor said at the event, per ANI report.

Israel's Consul General emphasised the need to combat antisemitism on a worldwide scale, citing recent instances within Israel's borders. He urged togetherness using the phrase "Never again." "Never forget.

Meanwhile, Kobbi Shoshani said, "Israel recognises the fact that Jewish people have been living in India for more than 2,000 years without any fear of persecution. January 27 is the International Holocaust Remembrance Day, commemorating 6 million Jews, one-third of the Jewish population, who were murdered by the Nazis and their collaborators between 1933 to 1945."

Shoshani was further quoted in the ANI report as saying, "This is a painful reminder of the most evil manifestation of antisemitism."

He said that echoes of history resonated as Jewish people, much like their ancestors during the Holocaust, were being taken away like "animals into the dark tunnels". His statement was made as Israel continues to be at war with Palestine.

Shoshani claimed that the ongoing war had brought them back to "our dark history". He said, "It happened not in Europe. It happened in our beloved country, brought us back to our dark history and opened up old wounds," Shoshani said.