Muslim Families Work As Caretakers Of Kolkata Synagogues

KOLKATA, INDIA - OCTOBER 26: Muslim caretaker Sheik Gufran look on as Sheik Masud closes the door to the Beth El synagogue cleans October 26, 2014 in Kolkata, India. "My father, who also worked here for 40 years, said that all religions are equal. Maybe outside they fight, but in Bengal Jews and Muslims live and work together with no problems.Ó Sheik Gufran said. "Indian culture is about including people and it's about humanity. First there is humanity, then comes religion.Ó Sheik Masud said. Masud's father in law, grandfather in law, and uncle have also worked as caretakers at the Beth El synagogue. Generations of Muslims have been working as caretakers in the three Jewish synagogues in Kolkata. The city's Jewish population has dwindled over the years to about 24, down from 3,000 in the 1940's. There are no regular services conducted at the synagogues, but one person from the community will come to light a candle on Friday evenings, and tourists regularly stop by. (Photo by Allison Joyce/Getty Images)