By: Howard Flower, ICEJ Aliyah Director

In late November, the Israeli government made a decision that will forever change the lives of more than 5,000 people of Israelite descent living in the remote hills of northeastern India. In an historic move, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet approved a five-year plan to complete the Aliyah of the Bnei Menashe community—descendants of the ancient Israelite tribe of Manasseh who have kept their Jewish identity alive for 2,700 years of exile.

For the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, which has sponsored Aliyah flights for nearly half of all Bnei Menashe immigrants since 2012, this announcement represents the fulfilment of decades of prayer, advocacy and practical support. It is also a powerful reminder that God’s promises to “bring your descendants from the east” (Isaiah 43:5) continue to unfold in our generation.

A Community’s Long Journey
 The Bnei Menashe story reads like a biblical epic. Their oral traditions trace their ancestors back to the Assyrian exile of 722 BCE, when the northern tribes of Israel were scattered across the ancient Near East. Over the centuries, many migrated eastward along the Silk Road, eventually settling in what is now the Indian states of Manipur and Mizoram.

Despite isolation and wanderings, they preserved remarkable Jewish traditions: a day of rest similar to Shabbat, abstention from pork, ritual sacrifice, and an annual festival that involves abstaining from leavened bread. Most poignantly, they kept alive the “Sikpui Hla,” an ancient song describing a crossing of the sea, pursuing enemies, and a pillar of fire—details strikingly parallel to the Exodus narrative in the Bible.

In 2005, Israel’s Chief Rabbinate officially recognised the Bnei Menashe as having Israelite descent. Since then, approximately 4,000 have made Aliyah, with another 5,800 waiting in India – until now.

ICEJ’s Partnership Through Crisis
 During the COVID-19 pandemic, the ICEJ sponsored flights for 131 out of 274 Bnei Menashe brought to Israel – often under challenging circumstances. When immigrants were stranded in New Delhi after testing positive for the coronavirus, ICEJ donors provided housing, food, and medical care for families who had already sold their homes and businesses and were enroute to Israel. This demonstrated the Christian commitment to stand with the Jewish people in their return. Since our founding in 1980, the ICEJ has assisted more than 193,000 Jews from over 35 countries in making Aliyah.
 
The Historic Government Decision
The recent Israeli cabinet decision marks a turning point. Approximately 1,200 Bnei Menashe will immigrate to Israel by the end of 2026, with the remaining 4,600 arriving by 2030. The entire operation will be managed by the Israeli government and The Jewish Agency for Israel.

“An important and Zionist decision that will also lead to the strengthening of the north and the Galilee,” declared Prime Minister Netanyahu, as the new immigrants will settle primarily in Nof HaGalil and other northern cities.

Why It Matters
The Bnei Menashe have proven themselves loyal and productive citizens of Israel. Many serve in the IDF with distinction; several have received the President’s Medal of Excellence for military service. They bring strong family values, a solid work ethic, and deep loyalty to the Jewish state.

Since 2023, the Bnei Menashe remaining in Manipur have been caught in severe ethnic violence between local tribal peoples. Approximately 1,000 community members were displaced, with homes and synagogues destroyed. Many now live in refugee camps, facing what community leaders call “a blank future”. The government’s decision transforms their despair into hope.

How You Can Help
We have made an initial commitment to cover the flights, meals, hotel stays and other travel costs for at least 100 Bnei Menashe in the first group slated to arrive early in 2026. This presents a unique opportunity for Christians worldwide to participate in this prophetic ingathering.

As this five-year project begins, we invite you to stand with us in bringing these last “descendants from the east” home to Israel. Your support can sponsor flights, provide absorption assistance, and help families reunite after years of separation.

The Bnei Menashe have waited long enough. The time to bring them home is now.

Donate today at:  help.icej.org/aliyah