One Heart, Two Worlds | Jew Town

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In the beautiful city of Cochin, a community lived for over two millennia, honoured and respected by the local people, and they thrived. The Raja of Kochi received them graciously and gave them a principality with their own chief and a charter etched on copper plates, granted them royal privileges that were to last for eternity, as long as the world and the moon existed.

The Jews lost their principality when the Portuguese arrived, and they sought help from the Raja, who offered them a sanctuary within the proximity of his own palace—a town where they could continue to thrive, preserving their heritage and culture. It was a gesture of solidarity and protection in the face of adversity. The Jews created a new community within the town, which soon became known as Jewtown. They established synagogues, schools, and businesses, maintaining their vibrant traditions while adapting to the changing times. The bonds between the Jews and the Raja deepened, bound by a mutual respect and a shared sense of unity. The community continued to live in Cochin until they had to leave the beloved city and return to their motherland. Their numbers dwindled, leaving an indelible void in Cochin's tapestry. This is the story of the Jews of Cochin, a community torn between two worlds.