Thousands of Indian-origin Jews from all four major communities descended on this northern Israeli city on Thursday evening to participate in the sixth national convention of Indian Jews, celebrating the occasion with a whole range of cultural display, including food, music, dance, cultural exhibits, yoga workshop, etc.

The enthusiasm in the community was such that the allotted number of registrations was filled up within a few days after the event was announced.

The community organised the event with the active support of the Indian mission in Israel and the municipality of Petah Tikva which was very generous in providing the necessary support for the event.

Rami Greenberg, the Mayor of Petah Tikva, applauded the role of the Indian Jewish community in Israel saying ”they have contributed to the development of the country in every possible way. It also includes the strong strategic relations Israel has with India in the field of defence, polity and economy”.

”It is great to see how the Bnei Menashe, Bene Israel, Cochini and Baghdadi Jews from India have managed to keep in touch with their roots, even those that are third or fourth generation here”, Greenberg added.

Charge d’affaires at the Indian mission, Rajiv Bodwade, described the convention as ”an acknowledgment of the rich diversity and the unique traditions of the four major communities of Indian origin Jews”.

”Until recently the Indian Jewish communities had largely remained confined to themselves and held…