Over 250 Indians Claiming Descent from Biblical Tribe Land in Israel
The first group of 'Bnei Menashe' arrive in Tel Aviv as part of a government operation to relocate them to Israel, marking a significant moment in the history of Jewish diaspora.
TEL AVIV: More than 250 Indians claiming descent from the biblical tribe of Manasseh have landed at Tel Aviv airport.
This development comes following the Israeli government's decision in November to fund the immigration of approximately 4,600 members of the Bnei Menashe community residing in Manipur, a state in northeastern India.The Bnei Menashe believe themselves to be descendants of Manasseh, one of the forefathers from the biblical 'lost tribes' of Israel that were exiled by Assyrian conquerors in 720 BC.
The Shavei Israel organization, dedicated to tracing these descendants, notes that around 4,000 members of the community have already immigrated to Israel since the 1990s, with approximately 7,000 others remaining in India.According to their oral traditions, they claim to have journeyed through Persia, Afghanistan, Tibet, and China over centuries while maintaining certain Jewish religious practices, such as circumcision.
However, it was during the 19th century that they were converted to Christianity by missionaries in India.The 250 individuals who arrived on Thursday are intended to settle in northern Israel, as announced by the Israeli Ministry of Integration.
In order to become Israeli citizens, these new arrivals will need to convert their faith.
Immigration Minister Ofir Sofer, who was present at Tel Aviv airport to welcome them, described this event as marking a 'historic moment.'Plans are in place for 1,200 members of the community to immigrate annually under this operation.
The state of Manipur has experienced ongoing tensions between its predominantly Hindu Meitei majority and the mainly Christian Kuki community, resulting in over 250 fatalities in recent years.Since April 2025, more than 18,000 Jews have immigrated to Israel, representing an 18 percent decrease compared to the previous year.
This influx of individuals, including those from the Bnei Menashe community, continues to contribute to the rich tapestry of Jewish diaspora and reinforces Israel's commitment to welcoming its lost tribes.
This development comes following the Israeli government's decision in November to fund the immigration of approximately 4,600 members of the Bnei Menashe community residing in Manipur, a state in northeastern India.The Bnei Menashe believe themselves to be descendants of Manasseh, one of the forefathers from the biblical 'lost tribes' of Israel that were exiled by Assyrian conquerors in 720 BC.
The Shavei Israel organization, dedicated to tracing these descendants, notes that around 4,000 members of the community have already immigrated to Israel since the 1990s, with approximately 7,000 others remaining in India.According to their oral traditions, they claim to have journeyed through Persia, Afghanistan, Tibet, and China over centuries while maintaining certain Jewish religious practices, such as circumcision.
However, it was during the 19th century that they were converted to Christianity by missionaries in India.The 250 individuals who arrived on Thursday are intended to settle in northern Israel, as announced by the Israeli Ministry of Integration.
In order to become Israeli citizens, these new arrivals will need to convert their faith.
Immigration Minister Ofir Sofer, who was present at Tel Aviv airport to welcome them, described this event as marking a 'historic moment.'Plans are in place for 1,200 members of the community to immigrate annually under this operation.
The state of Manipur has experienced ongoing tensions between its predominantly Hindu Meitei majority and the mainly Christian Kuki community, resulting in over 250 fatalities in recent years.Since April 2025, more than 18,000 Jews have immigrated to Israel, representing an 18 percent decrease compared to the previous year.
This influx of individuals, including those from the Bnei Menashe community, continues to contribute to the rich tapestry of Jewish diaspora and reinforces Israel's commitment to welcoming its lost tribes.