Sarah Kohen, the oldest Jew in Kerala, is no more

KOCHI: Sarah Jacob Kohen, the oldest of Jews in Kerala is no more. Kohen, 95, passed away at her residence at Mattancherry on Friday.As per initial reports, her funeral will be held at cemetery attached to Synagogue at Mattancherry on Sunday. Suffering from age related ailments, Kohan had fallen of her bed last Saturday. This caused a hairline fracture on her hip. Though she was taken to a hospital, surgery was avoided considering the age factor. I had visited her today morning also. Then, she was complaining of unbearable pain," Rockey Neroth, one of the leaders of trading community in Mattancherry told TOI.As of now, there are only four White Jews staying in Kochi. So, there may be some technical problems in carrying out the last rites of Kohen.Daughter of Samuel Koder, a Jewish businessman who brought electricity in Kochi, Kohen had been staying at her residence at Mattancherry. Thaha, a Muslim from the neighbourhood, has been staying with her. According to Thaha, Sarah Kohen was like his mother. The relationship between Thaha and Kohen, a Muslim and a Jew, was hailed much.According to sources, more relatives of Sarah Kohen are expected to reach Kochi on Sunday.