Shaken, Jews seek security

MUMBAI: The Indian Jew community on Monday expressed deep concern over their security and that of their synagogues across the country. This is probably the first time that the peace-loving community has come out demanding protection.

''Since the NDA rule, the bond between India and Israel has strengthened, which is the reason why the fanatics want to attack Indian Jews and their installations. If the administration fails to protect us, we will bring sophisticated technology from Israel to protect our temples,'' said Abraham Medhekar, president of the Indian Jews' Federation.

Over 3,500 community members in Mumbai will meet at the Kenneseth Eliyahoo Synagogue at Fort on December 6 to decide the line of action ahead. ''In the 2,500-year history of the Indian Jews, this is the first such attack which is compelling us to conduct security checks outside our synagogues,'' Medhekar said.

''We are being targeted all over the world,'' said Mark Sofar, the Israeli Ambassador, while addressing over 150 community members at a condolence meeting for those who died in the terrorist attack on Nariman House. The meeting was held at the Fort synagogue on Monday morning.

''We will meet CM and home minister to put forth our demand for police protection. We are going to deploy private security at our places of worship in Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Pune, Delhi and Kolkata but coordination with the police is important," said Moses Elijah Jacob Korlekar of the federation.