(JTA) — Indian security took up positions around an ancient synagogue in Kochi following a terror alert that turned out to be a hoax.
The Paradesi Synagogue and other sensitive areas in the city were guarded over the weekend following a terrorist threat issued in a text message, reportedly by the terrorist organization that perpetrated the attacks on 10 sites in Mumbai in November 2008, including the Chabad Jewish center.
Indian police on Sunday arrested three college students for circulating the text message.
The Paradesi Synagogue is the oldest in the nations that previously made up the British Commonwealth. It was built in 1568 by the Kochi Jewish community. There are only about 10 Jews remaining in Kochi, according to reports.
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