A priest at a Pune synagogue, concerned for his parents residing in Israel, leads special prayers for the well-being of people in the Jewish nation and the return of those held hostage by Hamas
People attend a solidarity service for the Israeli victims organized by the Federation of Hungarian Jewish Communities (Mazsihisz) and the Jewish Religious Community of Budapest (BZSH) at the Dohany Street Synagogue in Budapest, Hungary, Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023. AP/PTI
A priest at a Pune synagogue, concerned for his parents residing in Israel, leads special prayers for the well-being of people in the Jewish nation and the return of those held hostage by Hamas.
The Succath Shelomo Synagogue, situated in a narrow lane in Pune's Rasta Peth area, is home to approximately 300 Bene Israelis, all with close ties to relatives in Israel. As the Israel-Hamas conflict continues, apprehension is palpable among the community.
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Noel Issac Mapgaonkar, a 47-year-old chazzan (priest) at the synagogue, conducts special prayers three times daily, expressing his concerns for the people of Israel and the safe return of those held captive by Hamas.
Mapgaonkar's parents have resided in Ramle, Israel, for the past decade, intensifying his worries for their well-being. He maintains close contact with them despite the challenging circumstances.
He said, "As the conflict continues, I am worried about my parents and relatives who are in this difficult situation. In this tense situation, they have been advised to remain indoors and stock essential supplies. This is a challenging time for Israel, but I am confident that the State of Israel will bring back the hostages, and I offer daily prayers at the synagogue here for their safe return."
In his daily prayers, Mapgaonkar seeks blessings for those held hostage by Hamas, those who have lost their lives, and strength and courage for the Israeli military personnel defending their nation.
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Yosef Nowgaonkar, a trustee and secretary of the synagogue, joins Mapgaonkar in leading these prayers. He emphasizes that nearly 300 Bene Israelis reside in Pune, all sharing concerns for their loved ones in Israel.
Nowgaonkar expressed the deep disquiet caused by the tactics employed by Hamas in their attacks on Israel. He said, "This level of intensity and brutality in the attacks is unprecedented. We are in daily contact with our relatives in Israel, enquiring about their well-being and safety as rocket attacks continue."
The congregation conducts daily prayers for those who have lost their lives, those held hostage, and the overall well-being of Israel.
"We have also received a special prayer from Israel, dedicated to the Israeli army and soldiers who have sacrificed their lives in defense of their nation," Nowgaonkar added.
Nowgaonkar noted the historical relationship between India and Israel and emphasized that during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tenure, these ties have only grown stronger.
"There is now a personal connection between the two nations, and when India expresses support for Israel, it is more than just a political statement; it carries a personal touch," he added.
Prime Minister Modi assured his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu that the people of India stand firmly with Israel during this challenging time, expressing strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
Netanyahu had called Modi to update him on the ongoing situation as Israel carries out retaliatory strikes against Hamas after its militants launched a surprise weekend attack, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of Israelis across the southern border. (With inputs from PTI)
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