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Last Jewish Embroidery Shop Preserves Legacy in Kochi

12/14/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Thaha Ibrahim runs the last Jewish embroidery shop in Jew Town, Kochi, India, after taking over from Sarah Cohen, who died in 2019 at 96.
Their nearly four-decade friendship bridged Jewish and Muslim communities as Thaha cared for Sarah and sought to preserve her legacy.
The community has declined from 2,500 Jews in the 18th century to one remaining today, with many emigrating to Israel for economic reasons.

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Story summary

Thaha Ibrahim runs the last Jewish embroidery shop in Jew Town, Kochi, India, after taking over from Sarah Cohen, who died in 2019 at 96.
Their nearly four-decade friendship bridged Jewish and Muslim communities as Thaha cared for Sarah and sought to preserve her legacy.
The community has declined from 2,500 Jews in the 18th century to one remaining today, with many emigrating to Israel for economic reasons.