Indians in Israel

Indians in Israel
Total population
approx. 85k Strong Indians
Regions with significant populations
Jerusalem
Languages

Hebrew, Malayalam, Marathi

Religion

Judaism

Related ethnic groups

Dravidian peoples, Indo-Aryan peoples

Indians in Israel almost exclusively consist of Indian Jews who migrated to Israel upon the formation of the modern state of Israel in 1948. There are now an estimated 85,000 Indians who live in Israel. They are primarily Cochin Jews and Paradesi Jews of Kerala, Bene Israel of Maharashtra and Baghdadi Jews.

Jews have a long history in India. It is believed that Jews did not face any discrimination in India. They were a successful and influential merchant group.

The Indians in Israel have formed several associations, namely Indo-Israel Cultural Association, The Central Organisation on Indian Jews and the Centre of Jewish Heritage. Besides the Indian Jewry, there exists a small NRI population consisting mainly of Gujarati businessmen, professionals and students.

See also

References