Vadodara: : When the Jews or Jewish people had no nation of their own, they were welcomed in erstwhile Baroda state by Sir Sayajirao Gaekwad. These individuals, who were technology leaders, made significant contributions to the development of Baroda State by harnessing their talents. Approximately 150 years ago, Jews actively participated in the city’s development and administration alongside Sayajirao Gaikwad. However, following World War II, the Jewish community gained their own homeland, Israel, and gradually returned to their country.

Today, the city is set to have its first Indo-Israeli Culture Center on the land originally designated by Sir Sayajirao Gaekwad for a Jewish crematorium. This cultural center aspires to redefine the relationship between India and Israel while honoring the invaluable contributions of the Jewish community to Vadodara’s development.

The center will be constructed on the land of the Israeli cemetery in the Nizampura area, which holds its own historical significance. Sir Sayajirao Gaikwad allocated this 25,000-square-foot area for the burial of Israelite families about 150 years ago. Initially, the city was home to 25 Israeli families, but today, only two families remain. The land is currently owned by the corporation, following a prolonged legal battle to secure ownership.

Nikitin Contractor, the founder of the Friends of Israel organization, explained that during the reign of Maharaja Sayajirao, foreign experts were invited to contribute to the city’s development and worked closely with Sayajirao Gaekwad in administration. At the time, there was no dedicated cemetery for this community, which led to the state allocating this land. The first burial occurred in 1839. By 1875, the site was officially granted for use as a cemetery, and an administrator was appointed.

However, as Israeli families gradually migrated away, in 1997, anti-social elements attempted to seize the Israeli cemetery and initiate construction without proper authorization. Pradeep Joshi, a former councilor, played a crucial role in preserving the Jewish cemetery in Nizampura. A complaint was filed with the Commissioner, revealing that construction permits had been issued based on land allocated by administrators through power of attorney. Legal battles ensued, but ultimately, the land was restored to the government.

Now, on this 25,000-square-foot land, plans are underway to preserve and restore 12 to 13 thousand square feet for the cemetery. The remaining 10 to 12 thousand square feet will be used for the Israel Cultural-cum-Museum Center. This center will showcase Israel’s history, historical sites, experiences during Hitler’s era, and advancements in agriculture and IT.

Israel is renowned for its innovation, with numerous world-changing inventions originating there, including the development in mobile technology. Drip farming, soil management, greenhouses, and net houses have benefited people globally. The center will provide access to these technologies and educate the public about Israel’s infrastructure.

Israel and India share deep-rooted relations, and this cultural center will highlight their enduring connection. The facility will include a cultural hall for performances, immersing visitors in an Israeli experience from the moment they arrive.

In Vadodara, a well-known Israeli family included David Solomon, who served as the General Secretary of the Baroda Cricket Association alongside National Secretary J.Y. Lele. While other Israeli families have moved to Israel, there is currently one family of four and a single girl residing in Vadodara.

An agreement has been signed between Vadodara city and Israel’s Ashkelon city for the development of India’s first Indo-Israel Culture Center. The operation will be a collaborative effort, overseen by Vadodara city and Ashkelon City in Israel. Additionally, Vadodara’s Friends of Israel organization and an NGO are considering collaboration, including funding, though the details will be decided in upcoming meetings. DeshGujarat