Modi's Visit to Israel Boosts Bnei Menashe Migration Plans
Significant Developments in Bnei Menashe Migration
Aizawl, Feb 26: The recent two-day visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Israel has revitalized the bilateral relationship and influenced the timeline for the long-awaited migration of the Bnei Menashe community from Mizoram and Manipur to their ancestral land.
Upon his arrival in Tel Aviv on February 25, PM Modi received a ceremonial welcome from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and made history by addressing the Knesset, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to do so.
In light of this high-profile diplomatic engagement, the departure of the first group of Bnei Menashe families, originally set for migration to Israel in 2026, has been postponed by a few weeks.
Jeremiah L. Hnamte, a key leader of the Bnei Menashe in Aizawl, noted that the initial group, which includes around 300 individuals from both Mizoram and Manipur, was expected to leave in late February. The new anticipated departure is now early March.
“The first batch for this year is now expected to depart for the Holy Land in early March,” Hnamte stated, expressing optimism that this delay would be brief.
He explained that the Prime Minister's diplomatic activities with Israel required a slight adjustment in the logistical arrangements related to the Aliyah process.
Hnamte hopes to be among those approved for migration, along with his wife and son. His daughter had previously migrated to Israel a decade ago under the Aliyah program, followed by another son five years later.
He mentioned that rabbis and representatives from the Jewish Agency had previously indicated that applicants with close relatives already residing in Israel, especially those who migrated through Aliyah, would be prioritized. However, the final list of approved candidates is still pending.
In December, nine rabbis conducted a thorough selection process in Aizawl, and those who participated are still waiting for confirmation regarding their inclusion in the upcoming group.
This migration is part of a broader initiative by the Israeli government to facilitate the gradual resettlement of nearly 6,000 Bnei Menashe community members from Northeast India by 2030.
Approved in November, this decision underscores Israel's ongoing acknowledgment of the community's historical claim of descent from the biblical tribe of Manasseh.
Often referred to as one of the “lost tribes of Israel,” the Bnei Menashe trace their ancestry back to the ancient tribe of Manasseh. Over the years, many have converted from Christianity to Judaism, receiving formal recognition from Israel’s Chief Rabbinate.
Today, the community practices Jewish traditions, celebrates festivals like Sukkot, and maintains synagogues in Mizoram and Manipur.
For numerous families, this migration signifies more than just relocation; it embodies a spiritual return shaped by years of faith and identity.
Despite the temporary impact of diplomatic engagements on scheduling, community leaders remain hopeful that the revised March departure will occur as planned and that the broader 2030 resettlement strategy will remain on track.