India - Jewish Community on Alert

India - Synagogues in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai have been advised to step up their security and to become vigilant after two men attempted to forcibly enter the Magen Chassidim Synagogue in Agripada.

Anxiety seems to be at an all-time high among the community, which fears Jewish symbols in India could be targeted by anti-social elements. Though the police have little information on the two men aged 28 and 30 who made an abortive attempt to enter the Agripada synagogue, the Jewish community says there is tension in the air.
“The men insisted on seeing the synagogue, even when the caretaker refused to take them on a tour, claiming he didn’t have the keys,” said Daniel Isaac Chaulkar, synagogue secretary. “The duo wanted to see the rear of the synagogue. When they also insisted on carrying a bag inside the synagogue, the caretaker threatened to call the police, which forced them to beat a hasty retreat.” 

The Agripada police, however, have downplayed the situation. Though there is tension in the air, the Jewish community emphasised it had nothing to fear from local Muslims. “We have cordial relations with the Muslim community and both have thrived in India,” said Solomon Sopher, chairman and managing director of the Keneseth Eliyahoo synagogue, Magen David and the Ohel David synagogue at Pune.