Jewish Traces in Unexpected Places: Hundreds of 'Lost Tribe' Bnei Menashe Jews Make Aliyah from India

Hundreds of Indian Jews flew into Ben-Gurion Airport to make aliyah this week, as Israeli ministers promised to help the rest of the Bnei Menashe community emigrate shortly.

Following a special government edict, 252 new olim from northeast India made Israel their new home on Tuesday in an operation supported by Israel’s Minister of Aliyah and Integration Pnina Tameno-Shete. 

As reported in The Times of Israel,

The relocation was coordinated over many months between the ministry and the Shavei Israel organisation, whose founder Michael Freund was delighted.

“The aliyah of the lost tribe of Bnei Menashe after 2,700 years of exile is itself a modern-day Chanukah miracle,” he said.

“The story of this unique community that maintained its connection to the Jewish people and the land of Israel down through the generations is powerful and inspiring. I hope to see all the remaining Bnei Menashe make aliyah soon.”

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