Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government has approved a plan to bring back nearly 5,800 members of the Bnei Menashe Jewish community living in northeast India. Over the next five years, the remaining members of this community, who fled Israel centuries ago due to persecution and massacres, will be relocated to Israel. Officials describe this as the largest and most organized immigration plan for the community to date.
The Israeli Jewish Agency stated that the operation aims to complete the aliyah (immigration) of Bnei Menashe by 2030. The plan covers around 5,800 members, including 1,200 people already approved for immigration in 2026.
Jewish agency to manage entire process
For the first time, the Jewish Agency will oversee the entire immigration process. This includes eligibility interviews, coordination with Israel’s Chief Rabbinate and Conversion Authority, arranging flights, and providing accommodation and support services. The project is expected to cost around 90 million shekels (about USD 27 million) and includes flights, conversion classes, housing, Hebrew lessons, and other assistance.
Israel’s Minister of Immigration and Integration, Ofir Sofer, presented the proposal to the cabinet. Soon, a team of rabbis will travel to India to interview roughly 3,000 community members, especially those who have close relatives already living in Israel.
New arrivals to be settled in Northern Israel
Earlier, about 1,200 Bnei Menashe members were settled in the West Bank. Under the new plan, future arrivals will be housed in northern Israel, particularly in Nof HaGalil near Nazareth. The Jewish Agency called this initiative a matter of national importance, with several ministries and government bodies coordinating to ensure a smooth and lawful immigration process.
A Community with 2,700-year-old roots
The Bnei Menashe trace their ancestry to the ancient tribe of Menashe, exiled from Israel nearly 2,700 years ago. Over time, their Jewish identity became a subject of debate, similar to discussions surrounding the Pashtuns, who some believe are also descendants of lost tribes. Currently, about 2,500 Bnei Menashe members already live in Israel, with several serving in Israel Defense Forces’ combat units.
