Jews of Burma (Myanmar) - Lillian Frank

Lillian Frank, philanthropist and owner of Melbourne's most famous hairdressing salon describes growing up in a privileged family in Rangoon, Burma's magical, diverse and integrated Jewish community. In 1900 the Jewish community of Burma was said to number 508 individuals. The community consisted of Bene Israel Jews, while other Jewish families had their origins in Cochin, India or Iraq.
Before the Second World War the population peaked at around 2,500 before the Japanese invasion changed their existence for ever with many fleeing or interned. Today, few Jewish families live in Burma, although many with roots in that community return to the blue and white Musmeah Yeshua synagogue to consult the synagogue's ancient register of births, deaths and marriages and to talk with its charming caretaker.
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