In the backdrop of continuing tension in the Middle East, synagogues in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai have been advised to step up their security. Israeli embassy officials have issued an advisory urging the Jewish community to become vigilant after two men attempted to forcibly enter the Magen Hassidim synagogue in Agripada on July 25.Daniel Isaac Chaulkar, synagogue secretary, confirmed the Israelis had asked all Jewish temples in Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai and Pune �to step up vigil and security�.? ?

Anxiety seems to be at an all-time high among the community, which fears Jewish symbols in India could be targeted by anti-social elements. Though the police have little information on the two men aged 28 and 30 who made an abortive attempt to enter the Agripada synagogue, the Jewish community claimed it was an outcome of the Middle East crisis.

�The men insisted on seeing the temple, even when the caretaker refused to take them on a tour, claiming he didn�t have the keys,� said Chaulkar. �The duo wanted to see the rear of the temple. When they also insisted on carrying a bag inside the synagogue, the caretaker threatened to call the police, which forced them to beat a hasty retreat.�?

The Agripada police, however, have downplayed the advisory. �It is just a precautionary measure so that anti-socials do not exploit the situation to foment trouble,� said Ravindra Khandagle, senior inspector.

Though there is tension in the air, the Jewish community emphasised it had nothing to fear from local Muslims. �We have cordial relations with the Muslim community and both have thrived in India,� said Solomon Sopher, chairman and managing director of Sir Jacob Sasoon Trust, which manages the Keneseth Eliyahoo synagogue, Magen David and the Ohel David synagogue at Pune.

DNAM