Rahabi Ezekiel

Rahabi Ezekiel was a prominent figure in the Jewish community, serving as the chief Jewish merchant of the Dutch East India Company in Cochin, India, for nearly five decades. Born in 1694 in Aleppo, Syria, he spent a significant portion of his life in India, where he played a key role in the company's operations. His tenure with the Dutch East India Company lasted until his death in 1771, leaving behind a legacy of commercial acumen and cultural exchange.

In addition to his mercantile pursuits, Rahabi Ezekiel was a rabbinical writer who made significant contributions to the field of linguistics. His most notable work is a Hebrew translation of the New Testament, titled "The Book of the Gospel Belonging to the Followers of Jesus," which was completed around 1750. This polemical translation showcases his proficiency in languages and his interest in interfaith dialogue. Through his writing, Rahabi Ezekiel demonstrated a deep understanding of religious texts and a commitment to exploring the complexities of faith and language.