TEN

THINGS
JEWS AND HINDUS
HAVE IN COMMON
At first glance, India and Israel seem worlds apart.
Yet, with a deeper look, there are some important
similarities between these two countries, home to
two ancient religions and modern peoples.

1. Sacred Homelands and Shared Histories - Judaism

and Hinduism are religions connected to a land. This
leads to a national identity or a heritage for both
communities; for Judaism, it is Israel, and for
Hinduism, it is India. The two religions have shared
histories with several other religions, Judaism with
other Abrahamic religions such as Christianity and
Islam, and Hinduism with other Dharmic religions
such as Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism.

2. Similar Holiday Themes - Both religions have

festivals of light: Diwali for Hindus and Hanukkah
for Jews. Diwali, which translates to “row of lights,”
serves as a beacon of brightness every year, celebrating
the victory of good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and the re-
establishment of justice and righteousness (dharma). It’s a time to gather
with friends and family and bask in the light of each other’s company
while preparing for a fruitful year ahead. Hanukkah, meaning “dedication”
in Hebrew, celebrates the re-establishment of religious freedom and
symbolizes the Jewish people’s fight for, and achievement of, its liberty
and freedom as a nation against overwhelming odds. It commemorates
the rededication of the Holy Temple by lighting the holy flame.
 3. Dietary Provisions -In Judaism, Kashrut is
a set of dietary laws that restrict certain foods
and methods of procurement. Kashrut is part
of a spiritual discipline and a path to holiness.
It incorporates the Jewish prohibition of
cruelty to animals. While Hinduism does not
require a specific diet, Hindu teachings support
a vegetarian diet based on the principle of non-
harming (ahimsa). Hindus may also follow the
ancient healing system of Ayurveda, which is
an individualized holistic health practice based
on a variety of physical and energetic principles.

4. Common Rites and Practices - Symbols play a spiritual role in

Hinduism and Judaism. For example, in both, a red string offers spiritual
significance and protection for Hindus and Jews. In Hinduism, a Kautuka
or Kalava is tied by a priest or elder family member on a devotee’s wrist
or around a vessel as a spiritual rite. In Judaism, the red string is known to
ward off evil spirits. Some other similarities involve breaking a glass in
Jewish weddings, whereas Hindus break a clay pot, and both Hindu and
Jewish weddings take place under a four-post canopy.
 5. Global Diaspora - Practitioners of both
religions have moved across the world, and
diasporas are found globally in large
numbers. The Hindu and Jewish diasporas
have made significant contributions
wherever they have settled, including in
the U.S. In addition, there is an historic
Jewish population in India and a smaller
population of Hindus in Israel. Both
groups place a high value on family and
education.

6. Common Histories - Both cultures

have an ancient origin in the Asian
continent, with Judaism first emerging in
the Iron Age around the 10th century
BCE. The origins of Hindu civilization
date back to the 30th century BCE, if not
further. In contemporary times, both India and Israel were colonized or
administered by Great Britain. India and Israel gained their modern
independence within nine months of each other; India became
independent from the British on August 15, 1947, and Israel became an
independent state on May 14, 1948.
7. Culture That Values Women - Both countries have had women prime
ministers and prominent women in the military, government, and private
sectors. The significance of females is prominently featured in religious
texts and scriptures in both religions. Hinduism is one of the oldest
surviving goddess-worshiping traditions and cultures. It teaches that
God can be male, female, or transcend gender.
8. Modern Contributions - Both countries have contributed to modern
technologies and living practices. India and Israel, together, have
implemented a large number of cutting edge research projects in applied
areas covering agricultural and medical biotechnology, human genomics,
advanced materials & nanotechnology, imaging sensor & robotics, solar
energy, communication & information technology, and lasers & electro-
optics. Recently, India’s Premas Biotech and Israel’s Oramed
Pharmaceuticals jointly developed oral vaccines for COVID-19.

9. Religious Pluralism - Neither religion proselytizes; instead, both

accept that there are many paths to God. However, this liberty has not
always been afforded to Judaism and Hinduism, as both faiths have
experienced—and continue to experience—fervent efforts to convert
their adherents.

Israel

India
 10. Common Misconceptions and Stereotypes - Hindu and Jewish
students and communities deal with many negative stereotypes and
misconcweptions about their faith, practices, and identities. Anti-Israel
and anti-India conferences and campaigns are hosted on campuses, and
the media often misrepresents Israel and India, replacing biased narratives
for factual reporting. Jewish and Hindu groups, especially students, also
face bullying and hatred on social media platforms, which can lead to
shame, fear of isolation, or questioning one’s identity.

Antisemitism Hinduphobia
noun an·ti-Sem·i·tism noun hindo•o•fōbēə
an-tē-•se-mə-•ti-zəm h•ndu•fo•biə
International Holocaust Conference held at Rutgers University
Remembrance Alliance Working in 2021:
Definition of Antisemitism: “Hinduphobia is a set of antagonistic,
“Antisemitism is a certain perception of destructive, and derogatory attitudes and
Jews, which may be expressed as hatred behaviors towards Sanātana Dharma
toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical (Hinduism) and Hindus that may
manifestations of antisemitism are manifest as prejudice, fear, or hatred...”
directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish Examples:
individuals and/or their property,
toward Jewish community institutions Targeted violence towards Hindu
and religious facilities.” people, community institutions,
organizations, and ethnic cleansing.
Examples:
Calling for or justifying the harming of Calling for or normalizing the killing or
Jews in the name of a radical ideology harming of Hindus as a result of an
or religion. extremist view of religion and history.
Making dehumanizing, demonizing, or Accusing Hindus of inventing or
stereotypical allegations about Jews. exaggerating the persecution of Hindus.
Denying the fact and scope of the
Holocaust. Accusing Jewish citizens of Calling for the destruction and
dual loyalty. Denying the Jewish people dissolution of Hinduism.
their right to self-determination, e.g., by
claiming that the existence of a State of Accusing those who speak about
Israel is a racist endeavor. Hinduphobia of being agents or pawns
of violent, oppressive political agendas.
Drawing comparisons of Israeli policy
to that of the Nazis. Conflating Hindu identity with Indian
citizenship, ethnicity, and patriotism.
Holding Jews collectively responsible
for actions of the state of Israel.
 Ten Things Most People Don’t Know Jews and Hindus Have in Common
was produced by StandWithUs and the Hindu American Foundation.

StandWithUs is an international and non-partisan Israel education

organization that inspires and educates people of all ages and back-
grounds, challenges misinformation, and fights antisemitism.

StandWithUs empowers and energizes students and communities

with leadership training and educational programs on hundreds of
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ly newsletters, and missions to Israel.

Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Los Angeles, the organization

has programs on five continents with chapters and offices through-
out the U.S., Israel, the UK, Canada, and Brazil.

The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) is a non-profit, non-parti-

san educational and advocacy organization that focuses on educating
the public about Hindus and Hinduism and advocating for policies
and practices that ensure the well-being of all people and the planet.
HAF works directly with educators and journalists to ensure an accu-
rate understanding of Hindus and Hinduism. HAF also works with
policymakers and key stakeholders to champion issues of concern to
Hindu Americans, including defending civil and human rights and
protecting all living beings. Inspired by Hindu teachings and guiding
principles, HAF promotes dignity, mutual respect, and pluralism.

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