Why Are There Few Jews in Asia?

The question of the Jewish population in Asia has been a subject of intrigue and historical research. Despite the fact that Israel, the world's largest Jewish population, is in Asia, the numbers of Jews across the continent are relatively low. This article will explore the factors that have contributed to this presence, including historical persecution, mass migration, and recent trends.

Historical Persecution and Migration

Throughout history, Jews in Asia have faced severe persecution from various groups, including Muslims and Christians. The Crusaders, for instance, saw Jews as a hindrance and were responsible for numerous massacres. In Iran, the Jewish community suffered significant persecution, leading to a decimation of its population. Similarly, in Pakistan and Afghanistan, Jews faced violence and discrimination, eventually leading to their exodus.

A key reason for the significant Jewish migration to Israel in recent history is the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. This became a homeland for many Jews fleeing persecution and seeking safety and prosperity. Additionally, better opportunities in Western countries further contributed to the diaspora of Jewish communities in Asia.

India: A Unique Case Study

India, with its diverse cultures and religious communities, has a smaller Jewish population in comparison to other Asian nations. The state of Israel, with a population of around 15 million, has more Jews than all of Asia combined. However, India, home to approximately 1.4 billion people, holds a special place in world Jewry due to its historical ties with Judaism.

Despite India's historical openness and respect toward Jews, the presence of Jews in India is still relatively small. Several factors contribute to this: India has faced challenges in achieving universal literacy, and economic and social conditions have not always been conducive to the growth of the Jewish community. Nonetheless, India has a rich history of interaction with Jews, including Abraham and Moses, whom Muslim and Christian communities also claim.

Nobel Prize Success in India

Interestingly, while the Jewish population in India is small, some notable achievements have emerged, particularly in the scientific realm. Patrick French, in his book India: A Portrait, mentions several Indian and Indian-origin Nobel Prize winners in science, including C.V. Raman, Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar, and Venkatraman Ramakrishnan.

What is particularly noteworthy is the high proportion of these winners from a specific community: Tamil Brahmins. This community, numbering under 2 million people, has produced three out of the four Indian or Indian-origin Nobelists in science. Comparatively, other influential groups like Bengalis, Maharashtrians, and Uttar Pradesh residents have not shown the same level of success in the Nobel Prize category. According to Indian-born author Advaita Kala, comparing this to the discrimination faced by Jews under the Nazi regime draws an insightful parallel. However, the debate surrounding these comparisons is sensitive and complex, especially considering the historical and ongoing issues of caste discrimination in India.

Future Research and Discussions

Further research is needed to understand the reasons behind the exceptional success of Tamil Brahmins in mathematics, music, and science. Factors such as historical education traditions and social mobility need to be considered. While there are reasonable non-genetic explanations, understanding the contributions of both nurture and nature to their achievements is crucial.

The comparison between the Tamil Brahmin community and Ashkenazi Jews, another group that has achieved significant success in scientific fields, highlights the need for evidence-based inquiry rather than broad generalizations. Sociologists and historians must continue to explore these nuanced questions to provide a deeper understanding of the factors behind such remarkable achievements.

Finally, discussions around these topics should be respectful and evidence-based, aiming to foster understanding rather than division. As seen in recent controversies, comparisons can be misinterpreted and misused, leading to unnecessary unrest. Promoting dialogue and promoting understanding is key to building a more inclusive society.