Kashmiri Pandits and Jews A Tale of Two Struggles 

 

History is filled with stories of communities who have had unimaginable execution, displacement and genocide. Among them, Kashmiri Pandits and laws stand out both targeted for their ident its, both forced to abandon their ancestral lands. Yet, their journeys since then have been vastly different. While Jews managed to overcome contaries of suffering and establish a powerful, united homeland in the form of Israel. Kashmiri Pandits remain scattered, divided, and largely forgotten. The stark difference lies not in the nature of their suffering, but in the unity and resilience with which the Jewish community responded. Kashmiri Pandits, a small yet ancient community rooted in the cultural and intellectual heart of Kashmir, were brutally uprooted during the Isla must insurgency of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Thousands faced threats, murders, and rapes at the hands of Islamic terrorists and their local sympathizers Over 300,000 Pandits were forced to flee overnight, leaving behind homes, temples, and centuries of heritage. Today, more than three decades later, they continue to live in exile esther in temporary camps, urban settlements, or abroad-without a cohesive political or social platform to advocate for their return or rights. In contrast, Jews faced the worst genocide in human history-the Holocaust-where over six million Jews were killed by the Nazis. But their response was marked by collective determination, global solidarity, and an unshakable vision for a homeland. Within just a few years of World War II, they established Israel in 1948, transforming a barren land into a thriving, high-tech, democratic state despite being surrounded by hostile neighbors. Their 32 unity, combined with a strong leadership and comsutment to education and identity, thade this possible The Jewish people, despite speaking different languages and coming from various parts of the world, placed their collective dentity above personal or regional interests, They buill institutions, lobbied globally, created cultural narratives through media, literature, and politics and ensured that the trauma of the Holocaust became a global reminder and responsilsility Kashmiri Pandits, however, have not been able to build such a unified response Divided by region, ideology, and personal ambitions, many voices within the community often work in isolation. While there are individual efforts and some scattered organizations, the lack of a central, unifying leadership has weakened the movement. There is little political clout, minimal media representation, and declining cultural memory among the younger generation. The road ahead for Kashmiri Pandits is difficult but not hopeless. They must take lessons from the Jewish experience-priontize unity over ego, build global awareness through education and media, and invest in a shared vision of return and revival. They must stop waiting for external saviors

 and start creating internal strength. Only then can they hope to reverse exile and reclaim their rightful place in history In suffering, Kashmiri Pandits and Jews are alike. But in response, they differ. The future of Kashmiri l'andits will depend not on what was done to them, but on what they now choose to do together.

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Courtesy: Rajesh Raina and Koshur Samachar-2025 , June