Jewish leaders to seek help for minority status

Jewish community leaders will seek the intervention of Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to get minority status for the Jewish community across India and not just restricted to Maharashtra and Gujarat. This apart, about 20 community leaders comprising presidents of synagogues and chiefs of Jewish institutions, during their interaction with Netanyahu slated for Thursday, will also press for  a subsidy or concession in air tickets and simplification of visa process.

Solomon Sopher, who heads Kenesseth Eliyahoo, Magen David and Ohel David synagogues, told DNA, “It is a great moment for the Jewish community leaders to meet Netanyahu. We will bring to Netanyahu’s notice that minority status is accorded to Jewish community only in Maharashtra and Gujarat. We will seek his help to get across the country. There should be unanimity in policy.’’ This apart, the community leaders will also point out that the Israel PM should have met community members instead of just 20 odd leaders to listen to their views.

Thane Syanagogue president Samie Daniel said the Israel PM is visiting India after 2003 and the Jewish community is quite pleased with the initiatives taken by both India and Israel to further strengthen friendship and cooperation.