Jewish cemetery in Ernakulam now a dumpyard

KOCHI: The Jewish cemetery of Ernakulam near Convent Junction, taken over by the archaeology department a decade ago for conservation as a historical monument has turned into a dump yard and a den for antisocial activities. The old Malabari Jewish cemetery spread over 1.96 of acres of land, at the heart of the city, is surrounded by St Teresa’s College, Esplanade Shopping Mall and St Teresa’s High School. How the resting place of many eminent personalities of the community in the former Kochi kingdom reached in possession of archaeology department itself is not very clear.

A member of the community told this newspaper that it was handed over for better care-taking while another said it was taken over through an order. Several attempts have been made to encroach upon the cemetery land, say people familiar with the history of the area. “The cemetery located in a highly commercial area makes it vulnerable to encroachment. Superstitious stories about the cemetery are also present,” said T. Jayachandran of CICC Book House.

The cemetery is now home to snakes, rats and mosquitoes and the tombs are hidden behind thick bushes of creepers and grass. "After seeing the present condition, we are planning to take back the cemetery," says Abraham Josepahi, president of Jews Association Kerala. “We are handling the Jew cemetery situated near Kathrikadavu Junction by ourselves, and it is in excellent condition.”

Notable burials in the cemetery include that of Cochin born (1730) Bene Israeli leader and the British East India Company’s Army Commandant of the Sixth Battalion, Samuel Ezekiel Divekar (Samaji Hasaji) and that of Abba Isaac Joffe (Hacham Abraham), a Rabbi of Polish descent who came from Jerusalem. “We had taken the initiative and cleaned the cemetery a year back. Its betterment now depends on government fund. Hence, the Corporation and health department are helpless,” said corporator Grace Babu Jacob.