A constructive approach

The Jewish People Policy Planning Institute (JPPPI) 2005 assessment report states that diaspora Jewish communities continue to decline in numbers due to low birth rates and an over 50 percent intermarriage rate, writes Amiram Barkat of Haaretz in an article reprinted in The Asian Age of July 18, 2005.

The clipping passed on to Parsiana by Bombay Parsi Punchayet chairman Minoo Shroff notes: "The report’s authors do not anticipate mass immigration to Israel in the foreseeable future and note that 90 percent of the world’s Jews reside in developed countries and enjoy a standard of living similar or higher than Israel’s…”

The Jewish synagogue at Fort Kochi, Kerala. Photo: Arun Dwarkadas

"The authors recommend the government take a series of steps to combat the dropping number of Jews in the world. Among other things, they suggest introducing a lenient conversion policy and looking favorably upon communities that consider themselves of Jewish descent, such as the Bnei Menashe of India. They also recommend duly increasing efforts to integrate intermarried families into Jewish activities.”

JPPPI is a think tank established in Jerusalem three years ago by the Jewish Agency, in cooperation with Jewish donors and foundations in the US, states the write up.

Is there a lesson here for the Parsis? And are we capable of learning it? Or as went an old anonymous saying (sent to us by Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North Ame­rica president Firdosh Mehta) from the US from the days when wagon trains brought settlers from the east states, "When the conservatives get attacked, they circle their wagons and shoot inwards.”