India and Jewish Refugees: A Forgotten WWII Story of Compassion
Discover how India sheltered Jewish refugees during World War II, including the Maharaja of Nawanagar’s rescue of 1,000 children. Learn how compassion and solidarity saved lives when powerful nations closed their doors.
ENGLISH THROUGH HISTORY
Adi English
4 min read
🌍 Story 10 – India & Jewish Refugees in World War II
LEVEL 3 – Advanced
Length: (~536 words)
When World War II engulfed Europe, Jewish communities faced escalating persecution under Nazi rule. By the late 1930s, Germany and its allies had introduced laws stripping Jews of citizenship, work, and safety. With violence spreading, thousands sought refuge abroad. Yet many countries closed their doors. The United States and Britain imposed strict quotas. Neighboring nations feared political backlash. For countless families, escape seemed impossible.
Against this backdrop, India — still under British colonial rule — became an unexpected place of refuge. Although India was itself enduring poverty, famine, and the struggles of anti-colonial resistance, segments of its society extended compassion to strangers fleeing from Europe. Synagogues in cities like Mumbai (then Bombay) and Kolkata opened their doors, and existing Jewish communities in Cochin and Pune provided food, housing, and cultural support.
The city of Mumbai became a hub of exile. Ships carried refugees from ports in Italy and the Middle East, bringing families with little more than suitcases. They were met not only by local Jewish groups but also by Indian neighbors who offered help. In Bangalore and Cochin, Indian families welcomed refugees into their homes, sharing resources despite their own hardships. This was not state policy, but an act of solidarity rooted in human compassion.
The Maharaja of Nawanagar, Jam Saheb Digvijaysinhji, is remembered for his extraordinary role. In 1942, he personally sheltered over 1,000 Polish Jewish children who had escaped Soviet camps through Iran. He established a refugee camp at Balachadi, providing food, schooling, and safety. Many of those children later said his kindness saved their lives. In Jewish memory, he became known as the “Guardian of the Children.”
Life in India was not without difficulty. Refugees had to adjust to new languages, climates, and cultures while dealing with the trauma of persecution. But India gave them something most of the world had denied — a chance to survive. Children attended local schools, doctors rebuilt their practices, and artists found audiences. For a time, India became a shelter where communities of Hindus, Muslims, and Jews lived side by side.
After the war, most Jewish refugees eventually resettled in Israel, Europe, or North America. Yet many carried with them memories of kindness shown in India. The friendships formed during those years created a lasting bond. In Israel, parks, schools, and memorials honor the Maharaja’s actions, while survivors passed down stories of generosity in a distant land.
This episode demonstrates that compassion can emerge in the most unlikely places. At a time when powerful nations refused to act, a colonized country struggling under its own burdens still offered safety. India’s role during the war is a reminder that solidarity is not measured only by wealth or strength, but by the courage to act with humanity when it matters most.
Vocabulary (10 words)
Persecution – unfair treatment because of race or religion.
Explanation: Jews suffered persecution under Nazi rule.
Example: They fled persecution in Europe.
Student example: ____________
Exile – being forced to live away from one’s country.
Explanation: Jewish refugees lived in exile in India.
Example: The poet wrote during years of exile.
Student example: ____________
Solidarity – unity and support in difficult times.
Explanation: Indian communities showed solidarity with refugees.
Example: Workers acted in solidarity with one another.
Student example: ____________
Maharaja – a traditional Indian ruler.
Explanation: The Maharaja of Nawanagar sheltered children.
Example: The Maharaja offered protection to strangers.
Student example: ____________
Trauma – severe emotional shock from painful events.
Explanation: Refugees carried trauma from persecution.
Example: The trauma of war lasted for years.
Student example: ____________
Compassion – sympathy and desire to help others.
Explanation: Compassion drove Indians to offer aid.
Example: Compassion is stronger than politics.
Student example: ____________
Refugee – a person forced to leave their country for safety.
Explanation: Thousands of Jewish refugees reached India.
Example: The refugee family found safety abroad.
Student example: ____________
Colonial rule – control of one country by another.
Explanation: India gave shelter despite colonial rule.
Example: Colonial rule limited India’s independence.
Student example: ____________
Humanity – kindness and compassion for others.
Explanation: India’s humanity gave hope to refugees.
Example: Humanity unites people in crisis.
Student example: ____________
Legacy – something passed down from the past.
Explanation: India’s aid left a legacy of friendship.
Example: The legacy of compassion remains alive.
Student example: ____________
Exercises (Level 3 – Advanced)
Comprehension
Why did Jewish refugees flee Europe?
How did Indian communities respond?
What role did the Maharaja of Nawanagar play?
What challenges did refugees face in India?
How is this episode remembered today?
Multiple Choice
Who sheltered 1,000 Jewish children?
a) Gandhi b) Maharaja of Nawanagar c) Nehru d) Churchill
Where did many refugees arrive in India?
a) Mumbai b) Delhi c) Goa d) Kashmir
What did survivors remember most?
a) Wealth b) Kindness and compassion c) Colonial rule d) Politics
What happened after the war?
a) Most stayed in India b) Most resettled abroad
c) India forced them out d) They returned to Germany
Why was India’s aid extraordinary?
a) It was a colonized country itself b) It was a wealthy empire
c) It had a strong army d) It controlled Europe
Fill in the Blank
Jewish refugees escaped _______.
India was still under _______ rule.
The Maharaja offered help to _______ children.
Refugees carried deep _______ from the war.
This story shows the power of _______.
True/False
The U.S. and Britain welcomed most Jewish refugees.
India sheltered thousands despite its own hardships.
The Maharaja of Nawanagar gave protection to children.
Refugees only lived in Mumbai.
The legacy of compassion is still remembered.
Discussion
Why do you think powerful nations refused Jewish refugees?
What makes India’s role surprising in this story?
How do small acts of compassion change history?
Should nations under hardship still help others?
What lessons can today’s world learn from this story?