Israel Calling Back Centuries-Old Indian Jewish Community – Who Are The Bnei Menashe? | World News

Tel Aviv/New Delhi: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has approved a plan to bring Jewish communities living in India back to Israel. The decision, finalized on November 23, allows for the inclusion of approximately 5,800 members of the Bnei Menashe community from India by 2030. These communities have resided in India’s northeastern states of Mizoram and Manipur for centuries.

The Israeli government allowed them to be gradually settled in the Galilee region in northern Israel. The region is a sensitive area, heavily affected by clashes with the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.

In the last two years, thousands of people have been displaced due to ongoing conflict in northern Israel. Netanyahu described the decision as “necessary” and emphasized that it would strengthen Israel’s north.

Bnei Menashe will settle in the Galilee region of northern Israel, a mountainous region that includes major cities such as Nazareth, Tiberias, and Safed. The region borders Lebanon to the north and is bordered by the Jordan Valley and the Sea of ​​Galilee to the east.

India to Israel

According to the Israeli government’s plan, the first group of 1,200 Bnei Menashe members will arrive next year. The Immigration Service will oversee their resettlement and integration. Upon arrival, they will be provided with financial aid, Hebrew language training, job placement and initial accommodation. The government has allocated approximately $27 million for this first phase.

Reports indicate that approximately 4,000 members of this community have settled in Israel in the last few years. The plan was formulated after consultations with the government of India.

Population growth is a critical strategic concern for Israel given its war with Palestine. With a population of approximately 10.1 million, about 73% of whom are Jewish, Israel faces demographic pressure from approximately 5.5 million Palestinians in neighboring areas.

To maintain the demographic advantage and increase the Jewish population, Israel is increasingly trying to bring Jewish communities from around the world back to the country.

Who are India’s Bnei Menashe?

The Bnei Menashe tribe traces its ancestors back to the Biblical tribe of Manasseh, considered one of the “lost tribes” of Israel. Many members of the community practiced Christianity before officially converting to Judaism and being recognized by the Chief Rabbi of Israel.

They follow traditional Jewish rituals, celebrate festivals such as Sukkot, and have established synagogues within their communities.

Israel did not officially recognize the Bnei Menashe migration until 2005, when the Chief Rabbi confirmed that the community was descended from a lost tribe of Israel. Since then, Tel Aviv has opened its doors to the community for resettlement.