Last Two Members of Cochin Jewish Community Preserve Heritage in Kochi
In Kochi, India, the last two remaining members of the historic Cochin Jewish community, Keith Hallegua and Elias “Babu” Josephai, are striving to preserve their unique heritage as their community has largely immigrated to Israel over the past century. While…
Detroit, MI, August 7, 2026 —
In Kochi, India, the dwindling numbers of the historic Cochin Jewish community have left just two individuals dedicated to preserving its centuries-old heritage. Keith Hallegua and Elias “Babu” Josephai represent the last vestiges of a community that once thrived in the region, with most of its members having immigrated to Israel over the last century.
Hallegua serves as the sole congregant of the Paradesi Synagogue, a landmark in Kochi’s Jew Town. Meanwhile, Josephai is actively working to maintain the Kadavumbagam Synagogue. Despite their small numbers, both men are committed to ensuring that their community’s rich history and traditions endure.
Their efforts to keep this ancient history alive are bolstered by significant support from their non-Jewish neighbors. These community members are playing a crucial role in safeguarding the synagogues, the associated museums, and the cultural traditions that define the Cochin Jewish legacy.
The Cochin Jewish community’s history in India spans over a millennium, with early Jewish settlers arriving in the region centuries ago. Over time, they established a vibrant cultural and religious presence, particularly in Kochi. However, the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 led to a significant wave of emigration, drastically reducing the community’s population in India.
Hallegua and Josephai’s dedication highlights the challenges faced by small, aging communities seeking to maintain their cultural identity. Their work, supported by the broader local population, underscores a shared commitment to heritage preservation, ensuring that the story of the Cochin Jews is not lost to time.
Story summarized from the original created by Deepa Bharath, Associated Press on www.clickondetroit.com, see more information here.
