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.