From Persia and Judea to India: A Sanctuary of Centuries

Now, two countries are at war—Israel and Iran. These two countries are a test of India's tolerance.

Iran was originally a Persian country, meaning the land of the Persians. The religion of Islam entered there in the late eighth century. From then on, directly or indirectly, everyone was forced to accept Islam. But those who were staunchly Persian chose to leave Iran rather than abandon their religion, and they came to India at the beginning of the ninth century. They have lived in India for 1,200 years now. Yet, there is not a single instance where a Hindu has harassed them in the name of religion. Such a remarkable example of religious tolerance cannot be seen anywhere else in the world.

You will be surprised to know that Parsis are among the strictest followers of religion in the world. For example, their places of worship are called "priority" and entry is not allowed to non-Parsis. Not only that, no religious building of another faith is permitted near these places. And yet, we have given them full freedom. Their funerals are conducted in a very unique way. This method of final rites is banned in so-called liberal countries in Europe, but India has the "Tower of Silence" (Dokhmenashini). Thus, Parsis have been granted freedoms in India that are unmatched anywhere else in the world. They have also given much to India and have blended in like sugar in milk. Today, even though they are only about 70,000 in number, they never say they feel unsafe in India.

Israel is the country of the Jews—the oldest branch of the Abrahamic religions. Jews are among the most persecuted people in the world. In the first century, during the Roman destruction, they were forced to flee their homeland and came to India. Over the centuries, they arrived in India at different times. In the 16th century, they were persecuted not by Hindus but by Catholic Christians. They came to India for various reasons even in the 18th and 19th centuries.

You will be surprised to know that India is the only country in the world where Jews have never faced religious persecution in 2,000 years of history. They are also very particular about their religious practices, and in India, they were given complete freedom to follow their faith. Their synagogues are still preserved and protected today. Many Jewish leaders have said, “India is the only land in the world where we have never been disrespected.” A famous quote goes: “India stands alone in giving the Jews not just land, but love.”

Today’s so-called modern countries, who have committed atrocities in the past, now claim to be wise and lecture India. But while their histories are full of violence and oppression, ours has been inclusive."

— Mahesh Purohit, Navsari 

Purohit Mahesh is a spokesperson for B. J. P. (India's ruling political party).