The Paradesi Jewish community has been reduced to only two members

The passing of Sarah Cohen, the oldest Jewish resident in India, marks the end of a historic era for the Paradesi Jewish community of Kochi. Ms. Cohen, who resided on Jews Street in Mattancherry, passed away at the age of 96.

Throughout her life, Sarah Cohen dedicated herself to the embroidery of traditional challah covers, as well as ceremonial textiles for the synagogue and Jewish brides. For the local Jewish population, she served as a definitive authority on ancestral traditions and the history of the Paradesi community.

The Paradesi Jews (the term "Paradesi" meaning "foreigners" in Tamil) arrived in India from Portugal, Spain, Syria, and Iraq more than 500 years ago.

The Paradesi Synagogue in Mattancherry, constructed by Sephardic Jews in 1568, stands as the oldest active synagogue in India. Unlike the other seven synagogues in the region, the Paradesi Synagogue remains operational.

In 1951, the Paradesi and Malabar Jewish population in Kerala exceeded 2,500. However, emigration to Israel, the United States, and the United Kingdom has severely depleted the community, which currently numbers only two individuals.