B'nei Menashe Exhibition Continues at Hebrew University

(January 9, 2025) The B'nei Menashe photographic exhibition by a renowned photographer, Dorit Lombroso, continued at the Hebrew University in a follow up of the last one on the 4th of December 2025. It may also be noted that the same photo collection are on permanent display at ANU, the diaspora museum at Tel Aviv. It was an initiative of Degel Menashe and Indian Jewish Heritage Center. Ms. Osnat Levy, Director of the Bloomfield Library for Humanities and Social Sciences, Hebrew University, gave opening remarks followed by the director of IJHC, Rafi Bhonker. An appearance was made by the photographer, Dorit Lombroso. She spoke about her journey on how she came to 'discover' the B'nei Menashe through her younger daughter who served in the IDF with one of them. It got her so interested that she ended up eventually visiting them, their homes in the north east India and chronicling them through her lenses. The result of which is on display.

BMC Chairman Attends Degel Menashe Scholarship Distribution With Ministry of Immigration & Absorption Official

Chen Dor of the Ministry of Aliya & Klita hands over scholarship to a B'nei Menashe student.

(January 3, 2025) Yesterday, Degel Menashe distributed its fifth installment of the annual scholarship to B'nei Menashe youths pursuing higher studies at Ohel Moshe, Herzliya. Among attendees were the BMC (India) chairman WL Hangshing (who is on a visit to Israel) along with Degel Menashe's chairman, Hillel Halkin, a prominent writer and board member, Reuven Gal, who is a former chief psychologist for the IDF. The honors for handing out the scholarships were given to Ms. Chen Dor, head of wing at the Ministry of Immigration & Absorption.

Chen Dor, middle, with BMC chairman, Hangshing, on the right.

The program was hosted by Ronia Lunkhel who welcomed all guests, students and invited chairman, Halkin to deliver a welcome speech. During his talk, he made an appeal for the students to be part of the process that is assisting them, giving back. Then she invited Ms. Chen Dor to hand out Degel Menashe's fifth scholarship to the 20 winners for 2024-25 academic session. Before the distribution, Ms. Dor gave an emphasis on education and that this event was a step in the right direction. She continued to say that there are several avenues for receiving assistance from her Ministry as well and encouraged the students to approach and explore opportunities. The event concluded with a vote of thanks and words of encouragement from the BMC (India) chairman, WL Hangshing who echoed the importance of education to the process of absorption, especially for the B'nei Menashe in Israel which an advanced country with flourishing economy and robust hi-tech industries with limitless opportunities for those with the right qualifications. Light dinner was served courtesy of the hosts, Shmulik and Milka Zailer, who made arrangements for the venue as well. Degel Menashe conveys its gratitude to them for taking part in this noble endeavor in which the B'nei Menashe will contribute gainfully to the State of Israel. The B'nei Menashe will continue to play a positive role towards the blossoming Indo-Israel relationship, as more come to have access to initiatives such as these and look forward to cooperating with the Israeli government.

As of this going to publication, our newsletter has been informed that ORT, Mumbai will participate and assist in the revival program of the Rav Eliyahu Avichayil Hebrew School at Ma'oz Tzur and Shlom Tzion at Aizawl. The readers may be reminded that the schools had to be closed in late 2023 after the community was devastated by pogroms carried out by valley-based Meitei supremacists. Funds were diverted to assist displaced B'nei Menashe.

Degel Menashe sends its sincerest thanks to all the donors who have continued to help us keep crucial programs such as these, alive.

A group photo with some of the scholarship winners.

BMC(I) Chairman and Degel Menashe Offers Condolences For Late Prime Minister at the Indian Embassy

BMC's chairman, Lalam Hangshing, writes condolences at the Indian Embassy, Israel.

(January 2, 2025) BMC's (B'nei Menashe Council) chairman, Lalam Hangshing, who is on a visit to Israel, along with the Degel Menashe's executive director, Yitzhak Thangjom, entered and signed a condolence register at the Indian Embassy which is observing the passing of a former prime minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh, who served two terms as the premier from 2004 to 2014. They were received by the political attache, Mr. Vishal Jyoti Das. Dr. Singh, an eminent economist, has been noted as instrumental who ushered in economic changes which saw India rise as one of global economic powerhouse. The same period also saw increased Indo-Israel trade ties along with defense cooperation which continues to this day. The BMC, Degel Menashe and the B'nei Menashe community, in both Israel and India stand for this relationship to continue to flourish in the future.

Political Attache, Mr. Vishal Jyoti Das with chairman, Hangshing.