Israel Greenlights Immigration of 5,800 Members of Bnei Menashe

The Israeli government has approved the immigration of 5,800 members of the Bnei Menashe community from India, aiming for the first group of 1,200 to arrive by the end of 2026. The remaining 4,600 are expected to follow by 2030, marking a significant step towards reuniting families within this community, often referred to as India’s “forgotten Jews.” The announcement was made on Sunday by the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office, highlighting the government’s commitment to support this immigration process.

Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli Prime Minister, described the decision as an important move for the nation, stating, “I welcome the important and Zionist decision adopted today by the government, which will bring about an additional wave of immigration of the Bnei Menashe community to the Land of Israel.” The new immigrants are set to settle primarily in Nof HaGalil and other cities in northern Israel, aligning with the government’s strategy to bolster development in the north and the Galilee region.

Background of the Bnei Menashe Community

The Bnei Menashe community, composed of ethnically Tibeto-Burmese Jews, traces its origins back to 1951 in the border areas between India, Tibet, and Bhutan. This community emerged from a predominantly Christian population in northern India, eventually adopting Jewish practices based on the belief that they are descendants of one of the Lost Tribes of Israel, specifically the tribe of Manasseh, one of the sons of Joseph.

Despite their claims, the Bnei Menashe were not permitted to immigrate to Israel until 2005 when they were recognized as a lost tribe by Sephardi Chief Rabbi Shlomo Amar. Even now, community members must obtain special authorization from the Knesset to move to Israel, emphasizing the complexities of their immigration status.

Government Collaboration and Future Steps

The recent decision was initiated by Netanyahu in conjunction with Ofir Sofer, the Minister of Aliyah and Integration, and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, with support from Zeev Elkin, who oversees the Northern Rehabilitation Directorate. Sofer remarked, “This wave of immigration joins the blessed immigration we have seen over the past two years from many Jewish communities around the world—an immigration that strengthens the resilience, solidarity, and renewal of the State of Israel.” Smotrich added, “Completing the immigration of the Bnei Menashe is a renewed connection with brothers who have carried in their hearts the longing for Zion for generations.”

In the coming days, an Israeli delegation will travel to India, comprising officials from the Chief Rabbinate, the Conversion Authority, the Aliyah and Integration Ministry, the Population and Immigration Authority, the Foreign Ministry, and the Jewish Agency. Their mission will be to assess the eligibility of community members for immigration under Decision 2442 from 2007, which facilitates entry for groups seeking conversion and naturalization.

Once approved by the Chief Rabbi of Israel and the President of the Great Rabbinical Court, the Bnei Menashe immigrants will enter Israel with an A/5 visa, marking a new chapter for this long-displaced community.