Daijiworld Media Network – Jerusalem
Jerusalem, Jun 11: Israel has announced plans to bring the entire remaining Bnei Menashe community from northeastern India to the country over the next four years, significantly expanding a decades-long immigration initiative involving one of the world's most distinctive Jewish communities.
Speaking at a ceremony in the northern Israeli city of Nof Hagalil to welcome newly arrived immigrants, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the government would facilitate the relocation of all remaining members of the community.
“We are going to bring the entire community to Israel over the next four years,” Netanyahu said, describing the Bnei Menashe as an integral part of the Jewish people and welcoming them to what he called their ancestral homeland.
The event was attended by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, Aliyah and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer and Nof Hagalil Mayor Ronen Plot.
According to Netanyahu's office, around 600 members of the Bnei Menashe community have arrived in Israel since the beginning of the year, while another 600 are expected to arrive by the end of 2026. The programme aims to relocate the approximately 6,000 members of the community who continue to reside in India.
The Bnei Menashe are primarily concentrated in the northeastern states of Manipur and Mizoram. The community traces its ancestry to the biblical Tribe of Manasseh, one of the Ten Lost Tribes of ancient Israel believed to have disappeared following the Assyrian conquest of the Kingdom of Israel more than 2,700 years ago.
Over generations, members of the community preserved customs they believe reflect ancient Israelite traditions. Increased engagement with Jewish organisations and Israeli authorities during the late twentieth century led many families to formally embrace Judaism and seek recognition as descendants of ancient Israel.
Israeli religious authorities later recognised the community's historical claims, allowing immigration under special arrangements. However, immigrants are generally required to undergo formal conversion procedures recognised by the Israeli rabbinate before fully integrating into Jewish religious life.
Thousands of Bnei Menashe members have already settled in Israel over the past two decades, establishing communities in various cities and towns.
As part of the latest initiative, Israeli authorities inaugurated the Tavor Absorption Centre in Nof Hagalil. The facility will provide Hebrew-language instruction, social services, employment assistance, educational support and integration programmes for new arrivals.
Ofir Sofer described the immigration programme as the fulfilment of a long-cherished aspiration for many families and reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting their settlement and integration.
The centre has been established in cooperation with the Jewish Agency for Israel, which plays a key role in facilitating Jewish immigration and integration.
Netanyahu also linked the initiative to the strengthening relationship between India and Israel, highlighting his close ties with Narendra Modi.
Relations between the two countries have expanded significantly in recent years across sectors including trade, defence, technology, agriculture and cultural exchanges.
If implemented as planned, the initiative will relocate virtually the entire remaining Bnei Menashe population from India to Israel by the end of the decade, concluding one of the most unique migration stories in the modern Jewish world.