250 Indian Jews Arrive in Israel; 1,200 More Expected by 2026
250 Indian Jews from NE region reach Israel; 1,200 more to reach by 2026 end
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
A group of 250 Jews from the Bnei Menashe community in north-east India has arrived in Israel as part of a government initiative to facilitate their immigration. Over the next five years, an additional 1,200 members are set to immigrate, supported by a budget of 90 million shekels for various relocation costs.
- 01First batch of 250 Bnei Menashe immigrants arrived in Israel.
- 02Government initiative aims to bring 1,200 more members by the end of 2026.
- 03The Bnei Menashe community claims descent from the biblical tribe of Manasseh.
- 04The relocation plan is estimated to cost 90 million shekels.
- 05Past debates on their Jewish identity were resolved with recognition in 2005.
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On Thursday, 250 Jews from the Bnei Menashe community in north-east India landed in Israel, marking the first wave of an immigration initiative announced by the Israeli government. This plan aims to bring 1,200 more members from the community to Israel by the end of 2026. The Bnei Menashe, residing primarily in Manipur and Mizoram, claim descent from the biblical tribe of Manasseh and have been immigrating to Israel since the 1990s. Approximately 4,000 community members have already made the journey, with 6,000 more awaiting their turn. The Israeli government has allocated a budget of 90 million shekels (roughly $25 million USD) to cover the costs associated with their immigration, including flights, housing, and Hebrew lessons. The Jewish Agency is coordinating the effort alongside various Israeli ministries. The community's Jewish identity has been debated in the past, but they were officially recognized as descendants of Israel in 2005 by Rabbi Shlomo Amar, paving the way for their immigration. As they arrived, the newcomers were warmly welcomed by existing community members in Israel.
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The immigration of the Bnei Menashe community will strengthen cultural ties and contribute to the diversity of Israeli society.
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