Aizawl/New Delhi
The Government of Israel has approved a plan to absorb nearly 6,000 members of the Bnei Menashe community residing in Mizoram and Manipur by 2030, according to sources in Aizawl.
The Bnei Menashe, who identify themselves as descendants of the biblical tribe of Manasseh — one of the “lost tribes of Israel” — have long sought migration under the Aliyah (return to Zion) programme.
Community leaders said the first batch for 2026, comprising around 300 members each from Mizoram and Manipur, was initially scheduled to leave in late February. However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposed visit to Israel in February is likely to defer the migration by one to two weeks.
It is now expected that the first group will depart in early March.
Preference in selection is being given to families whose members have already migrated to Israel in earlier phases. Representatives of the Jewish Agency and community rabbis have indicated that family reunification remains a priority under the Aliyah programme. However, final lists for this year’s migration are yet to be officially confirmed.
One community member from Aizawl said he, his spouse and their son are preparing to migrate, as his daughter and another son had already moved to Israel five and ten years ago respectively.
Most Bnei Menashe families in northeast India practised Christianity before converting to Judaism. They now observe Jewish traditions, celebrate festivals such as Sukkot and maintain synagogues across Mizoram and Manipur.
The migration issue has also drawn political commentary in Mizoram. Some within the community view the strengthening of India-Israel ties under Modi’s government — including his landmark 2017 visit to Israel — as positive for facilitating smoother migration processes.
Others caution against linking faith-driven migration with party politics. “It is more about belief and identity than political alignments,” said a local entrepreneur, requesting anonymity.