More than 250 members of the Bnei Menashe community from India arrived in Israel on April 23, marking a significant step in their long journey back to their ancestral homeland.
NEW DELHI – A journey that spans centuries and continents reached a pivotal moment on April 23, when over 250 members of the Bnei Menashe community from India landed at Ben Gurion Airport. This arrival is part of a renewed effort by the Israeli government to facilitate their immigration.
The Bnei Menashe community’s story is not merely an immigration narrative; it is deeply intertwined with one of the most enduring traditions of Jewish identity—the concept of the Lost Tribes. The Bnei Menashe claim descent from the ancient Tribe of Manasseh, one of the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel, believed to have been exiled following the Assyrian conquest over 2,700 years ago.
While historians continue to debate the authenticity of these claims, the community’s oral traditions recount a long migration from west to east, traversing regions such as Persia, Afghanistan, Tibet, and China before finally settling in what is now northeast India. Throughout this journey, they assert that fragments of Jewish practice have persisted, including the observance of rituals like circumcision and dietary laws.
The arrival of the Bnei Menashe in Israel marks a significant milestone in their ongoing quest for recognition and return. In the 19th century, many members of the community converted to Christianity due to the influence of British missionaries, which complicated their religious identity. However, it was not until the late 20th century that segments of the community began formally returning to Judaism, seeking acknowledgment and eventual relocation to Israel.
Since the 1990s, approximately 4,000 Bnei Menashe have made the journey to Israel, largely supported by Shavei Israel, an organization dedicated to identifying and assisting groups claiming descent from the Lost Tribes.
This recent arrival represents the first group to enter Israel since the Israeli government approved a plan in November aimed at accelerating their emigration from the Indian states of Manipur and Mizoram. The initiative, dubbed Operation Wings of Dawn, seeks to relocate the remaining 6,000 members of the Bnei Menashe community by 2030, with around 1,200 expected to depart in 2026 alone.
The Bnei Menashe’s journey is emblematic of a broader narrative concerning identity, belonging, and the enduring ties to ancestral heritage. As they take this significant step toward their homeland, the community reflects a unique chapter in the ongoing story of the Jewish diaspora.
According to Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council, the Bnei Menashe’s arrival is a testament to their resilience and commitment to reconnecting with their roots.