Jews left Karachi during Arab-Israel war

Neither the Sindh Archeology Department nor CDGK authorities took notice of the dilapidated condition.

It is considered that these are the graves of Jewish people who lived in Ramswamy, Ranchore Line and Soldier Bazaar. Magain Shalome Synagogue, once stood at the corner of Jamila Street and Nishtar Road, was also demolished in 1988 and a shopping centre was built there.

An old resident of the area, Sharif Musa, said that his forefathers had been living near the Katchi Memon Graveyard for more then 200 years while his father and grandfather worked as sextons there. He said that his forefathers had informed him about the graves of Jewish community. He said that the Jewish community people lived in separate blocks in Ranchore Line.

They were peaceful people having limited relations with local people and used to keep a distance from political activities. When Arab-Israel war broke out in late sixties, they were isolated and started migrating silently and only a few Jewish people left in the city.

Sharif further said that when as a synagogue was demolished in Ranchore Line, the remaining families also left Karachi for good. He said that Jewish families living in Ranchore Line spoke Urdu language in dealing with local people.  Another sexton said “We want to level the Jewish graves but the elders of Katchi Memon community do not allow us, however we do not look after them.”