Muslim caretakers preserve Kolkata’s historic Jewish cemetery amid Iran-Israel conflict

Even as the Iran–Israel conflict intensifies in West Asia and global tensions deepen along political and religious lines, a quiet corner of Kolkata continues to reflect a different story. At the historic Jewish cemetery in the Phoolbagan area of Narkeldanga, members of the Muslim community have for decades been preserving the graves of Jewish ancestors, maintaining a tradition of communal harmony that remains untouched by international conflicts.

The cemetery, which contains more than 10,000 graves, stands as the city’s only historic Jewish burial ground. Despite the shrinking presence of Kolkata’s once vibrant Jewish community, the site continues to be cared for by Muslim workers who consider the responsibility not merely a job but a matter of devotion and respect for shared heritage.

Among them is Nafrajuddin Mondal and his family, who have been involved in maintaining the cemetery by clearing overgrown grass, repairing old tombs and ensuring the graves remain preserved. Their work continues regardless of developments in the Middle East, as they say tensions between places such as Tehran and Tel Aviv have never affected their duty or relationships with the Jewish community.

The cemetery itself has a long history dating back to 1798, when the city’s first Jewish merchant, Shalom Aharon Obadiah Cohen, established the burial ground on land owned by a Muslim. Over the centuries, the site became the resting place of prominent Jewish figures including Mordecai Cohen and Joseph Samuels, whose graves continue to be maintained with care.

When the cemetery required restoration in 2012, Muslim masons from Murshidabad carried out repairs to its damaged walls and ageing tombs. Their craftsmanship helped restore the structure while continuing a tradition of cooperation that has existed for generations in the city.

Amid the heightened geopolitical tensions, police authorities have increased patrols around the area as a precautionary measure. However, the atmosphere locally remains calm, with the cemetery continuing to stand as a quiet symbol of coexistence and a reminder that the bonds of shared humanity can remain stronger than conflicts unfolding far beyond the city’s borders.