THE SYNOPSIS
Our film centers around me (Zeineddine), a Muslim Pakistani-American teenager based in New York City. Last December, my family and I visited one of Karachi’s oldest graveyards located in a dangerous part of the city, not far from where the late Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl was kidnapped and murdered. I noticed that part of the cemetery looked like a wasteland with stray animals roaming. This was the “Jewish Section,” abandoned for over 40 years as the last Jews left Pakistan amidst rising anti-semitism and better economic opportunities overseas. Only two graves were visible amidst the messy foliage.
Through interviews with me after the I came back to New York, we delve into the personal challenges, triumphs, and growth I experienced throughout this project. As the documentary unfolds, viewers will enjoy the before and after archival footage of the Jewish gravesite, with some shocking discoveries along the way.
The Lost Jews of Pakistan is not just a story about a teenager revitalizing a gravesite; it’s a testament to the resilience and kindness that exists within us all. It captures the essence of human connection and community engagement as I was brave enough to foster a deal with the graveyard caretaker’s family to help me in this endeavor.
THE HISTORY
Karachi, Pakistan
Karachi is Pakistan’s largest city with over 20 million people.
A small Jewish community existed for over 300 years that peaked to 3,000 in the 1950’s.
Jewish architects, engineers and civil servants played a major part in the development of the city.
Jewish Synagogues
Among the contributions was the Magen Shalome Synagogue, built by Solomon David and Omer Daker.
Shortly after Israel declared independence in 1948, hostility towards Jews increased.
People conflated the Arab-Israeli conflict with the local, peaceful Jewish community.
During the 1940’s through to the 1970’s Synagogues across Pakistan were frequently attacked and largely closed.
In 1988, the Magen Shalome Synagogue was demolished and was replaced by a shopping plaza.
Jewish Families of Pakistan
The Jewish community migrated to Israel, the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States.
By the late 1980’s, a minority community that lasted over 300 years had been largely erased.
THE FILM
Email Us: thelostjewsofpakistan@gmail.com
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