31
Dr. AMBEDKAR AND THE JEWISH PEOPLE
“Fifty years ago in a special interview with the editor of a monthly Jewish publication in Bombay (The Jewish Advocate, November 1941), one of the India’s most respected leaders expressed openly his admiration for the pioneering efforts of the Jews in Palestine “in respect of the Social order that was being created there” (in Palestine) as he said.
It was none other than the “Father of Indian Constitution” and the Leader of the Depressed Classes in India, Dr. Ambedkar.
Dr. Ambedkar whose centenary is being celebrated all over the world, was among the few. In the Indian National Movement who was aware of and consequently sympathised with, the Jewish National Movement in Israel (then Palestine under British rule).
To understand the specialities Dr. Ambedkar had with the Jewish people one should read his article “Moses and His Significance ” published in the Bombay Sentinel probably the same year, 1941. In this masterpiece of a short essay about the Biblical Leader Moses, Dr. Ambedkar exposes to the roots of his special attitude towards the Jewish people. Due to its importance, I feel it is only appropriate to reprint it once again.
“The story of the Jews told in the Old Testament is a moving tale. It has few parallels. It is told in a simple but thrilling language. The pathos inherent in the subjugation and ultimate emancipation of the Jews cannot, but affect the emotions of those who are as depressed as the Jews were in Egypt in the days of Pharaoh. But the heart of every one who is working for emancipation of a depressed people is bound to go to Moses, the man who brought about the emancipation of the Jews.”
“What did Moses not do for the Jews ? He led them out of Egypt, out of bondage, he laid the foundation for their religion
Dr. Ambedkar was interviewed by Glora Becher, Consul of Israel in Bombay—Editors.