Burma Synagogue Preserved as Symbol of Multi-Religious Past

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VOA News
December 12, 2013

RANGOON — Burma's political changes are rapidly transforming Rangoon's historic district, where colonial-era buildings are being replaced by modern highrises. But business groups, historians and one of the country's last Jewish families are teaming up to preserve a 100-year-old synagogue in an effort to keep a historic reminder of the multi-religious past of Burma, also known as Myanmar.

The Mesmuah Yeshua synagogue is in a neighborhood typical of colonial Rangoon. Mosques, Hindu temples, churches, and Buddhist pagodas dot busy streets of markets, hawkers, and hardware shops.

The protected heritage building dates back to 1896, and has been under the care of a member of the Samuels family for generations. Moses Samuels, who has been the trustee of the synagogue for the past 35 years, inherited the role from his father, who inherited the role from his grandfather.

Moses Samuels says he looks forward to when his son will take over his role, and is optimistic for the future of the community.

http://www.voanews.com/content/burma-synagogue-preserved-as-symbol-of-multireligious-past/1808760.html



FILE - Residents walk past the Musmeah Yeshua Synagogue in downtown Rangoon, Oct. 2006.