Israel to bring Bnei Menashe

Israel, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has announced a plan to bring the entire Bnei Menashe community from northeastern India to Israel within four years. This initiative, supported by Aliyah and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, aims to relocate approximately 6,000 remaining members of the community. An absorption center, the Tavor Absorption Center, has been inaugurated in Israel — Nof HaGalil to provide support for the new immigrants, including Hebrew language instruction, education, employment assistance, and housing. This move builds on previous efforts that have seen about 4,000 Bnei Menashe immigrate to Israel over the past two decades, emphasizing family reunification and strengthening the bond between Israel and India, as highlighted by Benjamin Netanyahu's relationship with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Bnei Menashe, who claim descent from one of the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel, are concentrated in India's Mizoram and Manipur states and preserve elements of Jewish tradition.