Neveh Shalome Synagogue is one of the oldest and magnificent Jewish Synagogues in Kolkata first built in 1830 and rebuilt in 1911 as it had to give space for another synagogue named after Magen David.As several writers of repute have described – ‘Neveh Shalome Synagogue was the first synagogue built in 1831 by Shalom Obaidah ha – Kohen and was named in memory of his father Shalom ha – Cohen.Today one can’t enter it from the main gate but has to go to the back of it, negotiate temporary iron stairs to gain entry into it as if trying to steal something stealthily .This is the most ironic incident in India, where a living faith temple of the Jews, so friendly to us has been turned inaccessible in the heart of a thriving metropolitan city like Kolkata. The Jews keep low profile awaiting government help as they are now reduced to a minuscule number and they fear violent backlash of the encroachers who belong to India’s second majority or the largest single group after Hindus.As pictures show the ‘peaceful’ squatters have forcibly occupied its main entrance and have put up sellable goods on the magnificent marble stairs leading to the central hall of synagogue obstructing the access to the synagogue. One just can’t enter this area such is the fear of encroachers.Population of Jews in Kolkata is less than twenty (20) . They pleaded with the squatters, requested the authorities, approached the courts and after a long drawn court proceedings, obtained one court decree to free the entrance from encroachers. The administration looked other way. The reason was ‘obvious’. Again Kolkata Jews , aging and with lesser resources, approached the court and their verdict is endlessly awaited for last more than five years. So even after many appeals, visibly atrocious encroachment that has blocked entry to synagogue- unheard of anywhere in this world , the state govt and courts are ‘unable’ to help Jews and re-open the main entrance of a religious living faith centre that signifies two thousand year old Hindu-Jewish saga of friendship.As one heritage scholar said- Kolkata’s synagogue got its main entrance closed by squatters and none looked at it because the ‘secular Talibani’ authorities didn’t feel it is politically beneficial for them to enforce law and do justice to the minuscule minority ie Jews. Shielding ‘influential’ rogue elements of a minority was a more compelling needNow in a Saffron regime, Jews may hope to get justice.
Disclaimer: Views expressed above are the author’s own.
