By Naomi Ammon

“His grandma is on this flight, and he has not seen her for six years—can you take a picture of us? It is an important day!” *Noa, an Israeli doing her national service with the Bnei Menashe immigrant community, practically jumped up and down with anticipation. The ICEJ shares her excitement. A total of 244 Bnei Menashe arrived on this flight, part of the Israeli government’s “Operation Wings of Dawn,” which aims to bring the remaining 5,000 Bnei Menashe to Israel by 2030. ICEJ is sponsoring 100 of the first 600 seats in this ongoing effort.

The Bnei Menashe are believed to descend from the Northern tribe of Jews exiled by the Assyrians in 722 BC, who escaped to China via the Silk Route, where a Chinese emperor exiled them and took their “holy book”—the Torah scrolls. They migrated to the Mizoram and Manipur provinces of northeast India, where they settled in relative anonymity until the 19th century, when British missionaries “re-discovered” their community and noted Judaic faith practices.

The community preserved the oral tradition, identifying as descendants of Manasseh. They observe Shabbat, have burial rites with Jewish roots, and sing the “Sikpui” song; a lyrical narrative of the Exodus. In 2005, the Sephardi Chief Rabbi of Israel, Shlomo Amar formally recognised them as the lost tribe of Manasseh.  

Despite a flight arrival from mid-afternoon to evening, Noa and her community—a group of teenage Bnei Menashe olim themselves—displayed energy and excitement. They designed a poster combining the Indian and Israeli flags, brought remembrance banners for Bnei Menashe soldiers from their town who died during the war and danced to every patriotic song that blasted through the speakers of Ben Gurion. It was a perfect example of the integration that is the goal of new immigrants arriving in Israel.

These young immigrants are proud of their communal identity, and fully integrated into the wider Jewish culture, carrying both experiences with creativity, vibrance and light.

When the first immigrants stepped off the plane, the sound was enormous. Family and friends cheered, cameras clicked, and lights flashed. Shalom Aleichem (Peace be on You) pierced through the noise, and a symphony of “welcome to Israel” and “welcome home” filled the airport. And they were surrounded by love and support from the ICEJ every step down the red carpet that welcomed them to the Land.

As they arrived, ICEJ Senior Vice President and Spokesman David Parsons held an ICEJ Welcome banner, ICEJ Aid staff Jannie Tolhoek offered candy sticks and hugs for the littlest travellers and ICEJ Vice President for Aid and Aliyah Nicole Yoder literally shared this journey with the Bnei Menashe as she escorted their flight from New Dehli to Tel Aviv.

As many Bnei Menashe live in distant and remote villages, they began travelling several days earlier: first to gather in Northeast India, then to New Delhi where Nicole welcomed them. They celebrated their first Jewish holiday, fittingly Yom HaAtzmaut (Israel’s Independence Day), in New Delhi with the Jewish Agency for Israel and ICEJ staff members before even setting foot on Israeli soil.

Nicole Yoder shared, “Today I’m reminded of what Joshua told your ancestors when they first came to the promised land, ‘Be strong and of good courage.’ Aliyah is a joy, but there will also be many challenges along the way. Remember, you do not make this journey alone, ‘the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.’ We bless you that you may put down deep roots in the land – learn the language, find employment and develop deep community ties. You are a sign to the nations that the Lord is God, and He is always faithful. Be strong and courageous!”

While this arrival ceremony was a sweet reunion and hopeful new beginning for the Bnei Menashe, these new immigrants will face a variety of obstacles. They will have to navigate daily life in Israel—use public transport, open bank accounts, sign rental leases, learn a new language, find a job, and culturally transition into their new homes in the Ha Galil region. All while many families have loved ones in India still waiting for their turn to make Aliyah.

Your donations can both help ease the Bnei Menashe’s transition into Israeli society and sponsor the rest of the Bnei Menashe to finally return home after 2000 years in exile. Donate today.

*Name changed for privacy