The Bnei Menashe Jews from India Return to Zion
By Howard Flower, ICEJ Aliyah Director
On November 23, 2025, the Israeli government made a decision that will forever change the lives of more than 5,000 people living in the remote hills of northeastern India. In a historic vote, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet approved a five-year plan to complete the Aliyah of the Bnei Menashe community—the Jews from India, 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 (ICEJ), which has sponsored Aliyah flights for more than one third of all Bnei Menashe immigrants since 2012, this announcement represents the fulfillment 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 story of the Jews from India 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 centuries, they 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 involving the abstention 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 2005, Israel’s Chief Rabbinate officially recognized the Bnei Menashe as descendants of Israel. Since then, more than 4,500 have made Aliyah, with another 5,800 waiting in India. Until now.
Partnership through Crisis
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the ICEJ sponsored flights for 212 out of 274 Bnei Menashe brought to Israel—often under challenging circumstances. When immigrants were stranded in New Delhi after testing positive, ICEJ donors provided housing, food, and medical care for families who had already sold their homes and businesses. This demonstrated the Christian community’s commitment to stand with the Jewish people in their return.
The Historic Government Decision
The November 2025 cabinet decision marks a turning point. Approximately 1,200 Bnei Menashe will immigrate by the end of 2026, with the remaining 4,600 arriving by 2030. The entire operation will be managed by the government of Israel and the Jewish Agency for Israel, with an initial budget of 90 million shekels.
Already in early December, about 800 Bnei Menashe Jewish people passed initial rabbinical interviews held in Mizoram, India, representing more than 1,200 people as children were not required to attend. Flights are expected to begin in February.
“[This is] an important and Zionist decision that will also lead to the strengthening of the north and the Galilee,” declared Prime Minister Netanyahu. The new immigrants will settle primarily in Nof HaGalil and other northern cities.
Why It Matters
The Bnei Menashe have proven themselves worthy 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 the Meitei and Kuki populations. 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.
Bnei Menashe community members that will soon populate in Nof HaGalil and surrounding villages
How You Can Help
Since its founding in 1980, the ICEJ has assisted more than 193,000 Jews from more than 35 countries in making Aliyah. The estimated cost for preparation, flights, and initial absorption is $2,180 per person—creating a unique opportunity for Christians worldwide to participate in this prophetic ingathering. Donations in any amount will be very welcome and helpful.
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 will help sponsor flights, provide absorption assistance, and help families reunite after years of separation.
The Bnei Menashe Jews from India have waited long enough. The time to bring them home is now.
Help bring the remaining Bnei Menashe Jews from India home to Israel.
Photo Credit: Shavei Israel
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