Mansooruddin Faridi/New Delhi

“May God establish peace in the Middle East, where innocent lives have been lost; terrorism and violence have posed a challenge to humanity; we want the victory of peace and an end to terrorism. There is a burden on everyone's soul.”

Rabbi Ezekiel Isaac Malekar prayed at a Shabbat prayer service at the capital's Humayun Road synagogue on Friday evening. He expressed grief over the loss of life, injuries, and abductions during the Israel-Hamas war.

Prayers were offered for the humans caught in the war and their safety.

Hamas, an anti_israel outfit had launched massive and multiple attacks on Israel on October 7 and its members killed innocent civilians including children, and are reportedly holding some 1,500 as hostages in Gaza.

Israel launched counterattacks and called Hamas action asking for a war. Israel has been reining in bombs and missiles on the Gaza strip where Palestinians live killing terrorists and many civilians.

The prayer meeting was attended by members of the city's Jewish families and some important personalities. Ezekiel Isaac Malekar mentioned the war situation and described the death of women and children as tragic.

People following different religions pray at the Delhi synagogue for peace in Middle East

Speaking to Awaz-the Voice, Ezekiel Isaac Malekar said that the attack by Hamas is a big blow for us (Israel). The loss of innocent lives is unforgettable and irreparable. “We condemn and pray for end to all forms of terrorism. Terror should end as soon as possible and there should be peace.”

He said that the participation of people of all religions in this prayer meeting is proof that people are against war, and terrorism, and they love human life. “I am deeply grateful to all the participants. I am the one who participated in this prayer.”

The Yehuda Hayam Synagogue in Delhi was inaugurated in the 1950s and is maintained by Malekar. This is the only Jewish place of prayer in the entire north India. It also has a Jewish cemetery next to it.

 Malekar who hails from Pune has settled in Delhi.

Rabbi Ezekiel Isaac Malekar said that this conflict has become a political issue, the sad part of it is that innocent people are losing their lives.

He said the Jewish population in India was approximately 50,000 in 1940. Since the establishment of Israel, a state for Jews, many migrated to other countries like Israel, the UK, the USA, and Canada. Today an estimated 6,000 Jews live in India.

Speaking to an Israeli blogger, Rabbi Malekar said that Jews settled in India some 2,000 years back and never faced discrimination. He also mentioned that if he is asked about his identity he would say his heart is Israeli and the blood that flows in his veins is Indian.

He said he is invited by the government and leaders for all religious meetings and prayers. Recently he was called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for blessing the new parliament building in New Delhi to join other religious leaders. He read the prayers from Tora, the religious Holy book. He said he has so far attended some 5,000 such prayers.

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He says that we are paying a heavy price for this conflict but are helpless because only governments and leaders can solve this problem. That is why after the attack on Israel; people are contacting me and expressing their regret, including people of all religions.