Roof of Jewish synagogue in Mala collapses in rain

Historic Mala Synagogue roof collapses, Muziris Heritage Project plans restoration efforts to preserve oldest synagogue in the State.

The roof at the historic Mala Synagogue has collapsed in the recent rain. The central portion of the roof collapsed on Wednesday night, just days after structural vulnerabilities were reported. Steps were being planned by the Muziris Heritage Project to fix these issues.

The synagogue, an attractive tourist destination, came under the care of the Muziris Heritage Project in 2017. Members of the Jewish community regularly visit the synagogue and the adjacent cemetery. It was renovated at ₹75.5 lakh one and a half years ago.

According to local people, the roof was in unstable condition for a while. As there is a wooden ceiling under the roof, the damage cannot be seen from inside the synagogue, they said. They complained that despite writing several letters, the authorities did not take any swift action, leading to the collapse of the roof. The incident occurred at night, averting major tragedy.

It is considered one of the oldest synagogues in the State and is the remnant of the once-thriving Jewish community in Mala.

As an emergency measure, the Muziris Heritage Project authorities have begun covering the damaged roof with tarpaulin sheets to prevent rainwater from entering the structure.

Officials from the Archaeology department are expected to visit the site soon to assess the damage and chart out further action. Based on these assessments, restoration efforts will be initiated. MLA V.R. Sunil Kumar, who visited the site, directed the Muziris authorities to take urgent steps.