Muslim Families Work As Caretakers Of Kolkata Synagogues

KOLKATA, INDIA - OCTOBER 26: Muslim caretaker Sheik Osim, who works as at the Magen David synagogue, cleans October 26, 2014 in Kolkata, India. ÒI really like that I clean a house of God, whatever religion it might be. Whether it's Allah, or a Hindu God, whatever the name, they're different names for the same thing. It gives me peace that I clean a holy place. Maybe outside there is trouble but here we are all part of the same family." says Sheik Osim, who's father still works as a caretaker for the 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)