A major portion of an ancient, non-operational synagogue of black Jews collapsed in the heavy rains on Tuesday in Kochi, official sources said.

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Symbol of Racism among Jews

The structure is known as 'karutha palli' (synagogue of black Jews) constructed some centuries back was considered as a symbol of racism that existed among Jews - the Paradesi Jews (white Jews) and the native Jews (black Jews) - in Kerala, the sources said. The place of worship was located at Marakkadavu in Mattancherry, a short distance away from Mattancherry's famous 'paradesi' synagogue, local police officials said.

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Synagogue was in a ruined state before the collapse

The synagogue of black Jews was in a ruined state and it had been non-operational for worship for quite some time, district administration officials said. It's front portion collapsed in the morning due to the continuous rains. The interiors of some of the ruined synagogues in Kerala were moved to Israel, restored and displayed in a museum there, sources said. Only the 'paradesi' synagogue in Mattancherry still functions as a synagogue. The synagogue is open every day except Fridays, Saturdays and Jewish holidays.

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