Around 240-250 people from India’s northeast have arrived in Tel Aviv and 1,200 more are expected to reach by 2026. Their arrival is a part of Israel government-backed programme to bring members of the Bnei Menashe community to the country. This marks the first group to arrive since Israel approved a plan in November last year to relocate thousands more over the coming years.

Who Are The Bnei Menashe?

The Bnei Menashe community mainly lives in the Indian states of Manipur and Mizoram. They call themselves descendants of the ancient tribe of Manasseh, one of the “Ten Lost Tribes” of Israel that were exiled thousands of years ago. According to their oral history, following the exodus, they migrated through regions like Persia, Afghanistan, Tibet, and China while keeping some of their religious customs. Men of this tribe wear traditional hand knitted kippa (skull cap), while women wear customary head coverings.

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250 Members Reach Tel Aviv

The Israeli government has started a programme called “Operation Wings of Dawn” to bring them back to the country. According to a PTI report, about 4,000 community members have reportedly immigrated to Israel over the past three decades with approximately 6,000 more waiting. When the latest group arrived in Tel Aviv, they were warmly welcomed by members of their community already living in Israel.

Several Israeli government bodies along with The Jewish Agency are handling the relocation process. This includes support such as housing, language training, and financial assistance. The entire programme is expected to cost around 90 million shekels (about USD 30 million).

In the past, there had been an intense debate over the community’s Jewish identity. However, in 2005, Israel’s Chief Rabbi officially recognised them as descendants of Israel, allowing them to immigrate. Despite many members claiming to be following Jewish, reports suggest that some may still need to undergo a formal conversion process before becoming Israeli citizens.

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