History of the Jews in Nepal describes the activity of people from Israel as well as Jewish people who live and visit the nation of Nepal. In addition, it describes international relations between the two countries of Israel and Nepal.
Nepal established diplomatic relations with Israel in 1960.[1] Nepal is a popular destination for Israeli backpackers and tourists.[2] In 1986, the Israeli embassy in the Thamel section of Katmandu started the tradition of holding a Passover Seder for Israeli travelers.[3][4][5] In 1999, the Chabad organization picked up this tradition and became the main organizer of this annual event. In 2006, the annual Chabad seder hosted 1,500 participants. The acting Chief Rabbi of Chabad in Nepal is Chezky Lifshitz. In November 2007, Rabbi Lifshitz announced the opening of a second permanent Chabad house in the city of Pokhara, to assist Jewish travelers in that area. In 2012, an Israeli climber abandoned his dream of reaching the summit of Mount Everest in order to save the life of a climber from Turkey.[6][7] In 2013, an Israeli artist crafted a monument which consisted of rocks from the lowest place on Earth, the Dead Sea, and placed them on the base camp of Mount Everest, the highest place on Earth; in addition, rocks from Everest were taken to the Dead Sea.[8]
In 2014, the permanent Jewish community in Nepal is very small and consists largely of diplomatic officials and Chabad staff. Israeli colleges have given scholarships to students from Nepal.[9][10]
References
- ^ Alok Tumbahangphey (4/07/2006). "Passover in the Hindu kingdom". Nepali Times.
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(help) - ^ Sept 28, 2012, Israel National News, Kathmandu to Host 'World's Highest Sukkah' Contest, Accessed June 22, 2014
- ^ Rabbi Levi Brackman (4/3/2006). "Nepal: 1,500 Israelis take part in Seder". YNet News.
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(help) - ^ April 14, 2014, Israel National News, Volunteers Save Kathmandu Seder, Accessed June 22, 2014, "...Chabad house, which is expecting over 1,000 people for Monday night's seder..."
- ^ March 24, 2014, Israel National News, Will Strike Keep Matzah from Kathmandu?, Accessed June 22, 2014
- ^ Chana Ya'ar, May 24, 2012, Israel National News, Israeli Climber Ditches Everest to Save Turkish Climber's Life: Official relations between Turkey and Israel may be down in the dumps, but atop the Himalayas, two men formed a bond that may last forever, Accessed June 22, 2014
- ^ Jul 28, 2013, Ainav Weisberg, Jerusalem Online, Mother dies in Nepal, son left alone unknowing: A single mother and her 12 year old son went traveling, the mother died of cardiac arrest in a hospital and her son was left alone and unknowing, only finding on return home, Accessed June 22, 2014
- ^ Viva Sarah Press, May 19, 2013, Israel 21c News, A monument made from rocks of the Dead Sea is set up at Mount Everest base to foster friendship between the lowest and highest places on earth, Accessed June 22, 2014
- ^ 8/13/2011, Israel National News, Nepalese Students Win Scholarship to Israel College, Accessed June 22, 2014
- ^ 2014-04-30, My Republica, 350 more students to be trained in Israel, Accessed June 22, 2014