KODER, SHABDAI SAMUEL

KODER, SHABDAI SAMUEL (1907–1994), Jewish communal leader in Cochin (kochi ). He was educated in Cochin and at Madras University, after which he entered the family business. For 12 years he represented the Jews of Cochin in the Cochin Legislative Assembly. He was honorary consul for the Netherlands and on his retirement received a knighthood of the Order of Nassau. Koder held high office in Rotary International and the Freemasons. In 1968 he presided at the 400th anniversary of Cochin's famous Paradeis synagogue, which was attended by Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Koder was the author of a number of articles on the history of Cochin Jewry. He succeeded his father, samuel shabdai koder , as leader of the community and president of the South India Jewish Association. -ADD. BIBLIOGRAPHY: N. Katz and E.S. Goldberg, The Last Jews of Cochin: Jewish Identity in Hindu India (1993). (Percy S. Gourgey / Tudor Parfitt (2nd ed.)