By Nishat Anjum
Image Source: Thaha's FB
Affection knows no bounds. It isn’t just a saying but the definition of Thaha’s and Sarah’s relationship. Late Sarah Cohen, a Malabar Jew and Thaha Ibrahim, A Malayalee Muslim shared a relationship that astonished people from around the world.
Thaha fondly remembers the day he met Sarah Aunty back in 1982. She started an embroidery shop. Her first help was none other than Thaha. “Back then Jew Town was full of life. People use to sit outside in the evening. Drink tea and play cards. This town looks abandoned now”, he adds. As he talks about the community, his voice cracks. Coming back to the conversation, he remembers the last rites of Sarah Cohen. He tells that while she was alive, he tried his best to keep her traditions alive.
He smiles and says he used to tease Sarah Aunty saying that even though he is ‘goyim’ (non-Jewish), he helps her read the Torah. It’s been 3 years since Sarah Cohen passed away. Jew Town misses the smiles and singing Sarah. She would recite all the Jewish Community songs she learnt as a child.
Thaha said, “The Jewish are very interesting people. They have different songs for every occasion. Their weddings were a sight to behold. From the entry of bride to the shave of the groom, every occasion has a song.” He speaks as if those memories are getting played in front of his eyes.
When one looks around the world, these communities might look against each other. But Thaha and Sarah defy these stereotypes. They rose above the clash of communities and found love in shared humanity. Thaha Ibrahim and his family take care of the Paradesi Synagogue. Paradesi means foreigner in many Indian languages. A community that traces its root to almost 2000 years is hardly foreigners.
“I wish more the Kochi Jewish diaspora come back and bring back life to these lanes. This place belongs to them, I am just taking care till they come back”, Thaha sounds hopeful.
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