One more Jew dies,only nine left

KOCHI: Leaving behind just nine members in the Jewish Community at Mattanchery, Isaac Judah Ashkenazy, 83, breathed his last here on Saturday.He was admitted to a private hospital in Kochi after he was taken ill. Isaac had been bedridden for more than a year following kidney ailment. He had also suffered a fall which further spoiled his health.The funeral will be held on Sunday as the Jews observe 'Shabbat', a day of rest and spiritual enrichment.Isaac, a bachelor, is survived by two sisters who live in Israel.Isaac's niece and nephew had flown down to Kochi a week ago.Born and brought up at Mattanchery, he was employed in the Kerala Electrical Company which later became the KSEB.With the demise of Isaac, the Jewish population there has dwindled to nine Sarah Jacob Cohen, 87, Joseth E Hallegua, 86, Juliet J Hallequa, 69, Yael J Hallequa, 41, Gumliel Abraham Salem, 83, Reema G Salem, 82, Queenie S Hallegua, 65, Keith I Hallegua, 52, Rachel S Cohen, 65. Prior to 1948, the Jewish Town of Mattanchery had over 250 members.With the passage of time, the Jew town witnessed an exodus of young people to their 'promised land' Israel leaving behind the older generation who find it difficult to sever the ties with their land of birth.