Degel Menashe Honors two fallen B'nei Menashe IDF soldiers at an Exhibition

At the venue: Faculty of Agriculture, Food & Environment, Rechovot.

(June 4, 2025) An exhibition of the B'nei Menashe photos by Dorit Lombroso was held last Tuesday, 27th May 2025 to honor the memories of the two B'nei Menashe soldiers. The Library of the Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment in Rechovot became a place of reflection, remembrance, and connection as it hosted a Photo Exhibition in remembrance of two fallen soldiers - Sgt. Gary L. Zolat and Gery Gideon Hanghal. The event brought people together not only to view stunning photographs, but to pay tribute to two brave souls who gave everything in service of their country. The event was sponsored by Degel Menashe along with the Indian Jewish Heritage Center (IJHC) and the Cochin Heritage Center.

Indian Ambassador, Singh, speaks at the event.

The program was conducted by the IJHC chairman, Rafi Bhonkar who gave a comprehensive overview of the Indian Jewry with special emphasis on the B'nei Menashe. He offered a powerful and informative presentation on the history of the four Indian Jewish communities in Israel. His timeline wove together stories of migration, faith, and identity, a living testament to the rich cultural mosaic of the Israeli society. In attendance were His Excellency Mr. J.P. Singh, the Ambassador of India to Israel, the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment and the photographer, Dorit Lombroso. Ambassador Singh spoke warmly with sincerity reflecting on the beauty of the photographs, taken in some of India’s most breathtaking landscapes, and emphasized the deep and evolving relationship between India and Israel, a bond symbolized in both the imagery and the presence of the gathered community. Photographer Dorit, whose work was at the heart of the exhibition, shared her own journey of discovery. She recounted how she came to know the community and has felt deeply connected ever since. With visible emotion, she described the people she met as “the most lovely,” and her photographs reflected that sense of affection and respect, capturing not just places, but the essence of lives and legacies. One of the most touching moments of the event came when the family of Gary Zolat addressed the audience. His father, Dagan, and sister spoke about Gary’s life - his kindness, his deep love for animals, and the gentle, caring nature that made him so special.

Rafi Bhonkar gives a glimpse into the Indian Jewry.

Bereaved father Dagan Zolat delivers a tribute to his fallen son.

The evening concluded with a spirited performance of a song "Ka Thange, KaThange" (Honor is Upon Me), a song composed over 50 years ago that tell a story of the B'nei Menashe reconnecting with their past. A light meal sponsored by Degel Menashe from a B'nei Menashe caterer from Nof HaGalil, Zo Chowka. The director was not able to attend the exhibition due to passing away of a family member but was represented by his wife, Jessica Thangjom.

Degel Menashe is humbled and proud to have been part of this meaningful and unforgettable day, a tribute that will remain in our hearts for years to come. May the memories of Gary Zolat and Gery Hanghal continue to inspire and bless us all.

Ambassador Singh and photographer Dorit Lombroso with some of the B'nei Menashe in attendance.

B'nei Menashe Aliya Discussed at Meeting called by the Kneset Committee

The committee meeting in progress.

(May 21, 2025) On the 20th May 2025, a meeting was called by the Knesset Committee on Aliya & Klita chairman, Oded Forer, in the premises of the Knesset. The meeting was attended by the deputy director-general of the ministry, Moshe Pines, the Jewish Agency along with a host of departmental officials including director of the Ministry of Foreign affairs, Michal Weiler-Tal, who is in charge of southeast Asia and NGOs representing the interests of the B'nei Menashe, including Shavei Israel and Degel Menashe, represented by its executive director, Yitzhak Thangjom.

Executive director speaks at the meeting.

The meeting was presided over by the chairman of the committee, Oded Forer, who made a broad emphasis on the aliya of the B'nei Menashe. In the run of the questions, deputy director Pines made known the government's serious intent on making this aliya a reality after a gap of about 4 years. He made it clear that the government is looking to bring in all the 5 to 6 thousand, which represents the total population in the region, within 4 to 5 years. Priority will be given on basis of seniority and family reunion, not necessarily in that order. This had been the criteria for aliya ever since the Rabbi Avichayil initiated it in the early 1990s. It had been continually flouted ever since Shavei Israel took charge in 2003/4. Nepotism, favoritism and serious malpractices peppered the 20-odd years it was in charge. Now that seems to be changing with the current ministry insisting that it will conduct the aliya without the involvement of any NGOs. As per estimates that was made available, a financial outlay of about 130 to 150 million Shekels ($ 30-40 million) will be needed over a period of five years. This will have to be passed by the government led by the finance ministry. Regardless of that, it was reliably learnt that the first batch of about 500 olim should arrive by late this year, November or December. This will be followed by a similar number by Pesach.

A similar meeting was held last week by Pnina Tamano-Shata, the previous minister and current MK. It was held in the Negev Hall in the Knesset and spoke about similar objectives. Degel Menashe was represented by its two board member, Rivka Lunkhel and Shmuel Boitlung and volunteer, Jessica Thangjom.

Degel Menashe delegates meeting with Ms. Tamano-Shata last week.

UPDATES IN BRIEF: Of Mushrooms, Roads, Academic Excellence And a Bat Mitzvah

Participants of the Mushroom Culture Workshop.

(May 11, 2025) Three ladies from Kibbutz Ma'oz Tzur recently completed a 10-day workshop on mushroom culture. It was sponsored by India's largest bank, The State Bank of India and was held at Pearsonmum in Lamka. The program was designed to impart to the participants thorough knowledge of both the theories and practical skills in mushroom cultivation with an objective to promote cottage industries and entrepreneurial skills. Students were taught basic skills along with methods of cultivations, housing units and even packing techniques with a environmental concerns added to it.

The three successful candidates from Ma'oz Tzur.

It was an opportunity to learn a skill which can be put to good and gainful use in the kibbutz. The training was provided free of cost but peripheral expenses like travels were not and was provided by Degel Menashe. The participants are all residents of Ma'oz Tzur, wives, mothers and nurturers. They are Rachel Ngainu Touthang, Esther Nengpichong Touthang and Shifra Thomsong. At the end of the training session an examination was conducted in which all our three candidates were declared successful and awarded certificates each. With this useful skill in hand, the kibbutz is ready to explore yet another dimension in productivity and self reliance. We join this beautiful community towards realizing its dreams and wish them the very best.

ROAD TO THE KIBBUTZ PAVED WITH GRAVEL:

Road to Ma'oz Tzur: Ready for the Monsoon.

Monsoon season has always been a challenge for the residents when roads become muddy and slushy rendering clothing, especially shoes dirty. Thanks to initiatives and funds that became available, a 1,920 foot approach road to Ma'oz Tzur has been paved with stones and gravel. Hopefully this rainy season things will be beter.

DEGEL MENASHE SCHOLARSHIP BENEFICIARY BRINGS ACCOLADE:

Yehoshua Elezra hold his certificate of Academic Excellence.

A proud moment: a recipients of Degel Menashe's scholarship program, Yehoshua Elezra, has made it to the Dean's List at the prestigious Machon Lev College in Jerusalem for academic excellence. He is a a second year student pursuing Computer Programing. Yehoshua is the oldest son of Shimon and Ruth Elezra of Kiryat Arba. His father works at Intel and the mother is an English teacher. It may be mentioned that he has spent several months in the IDF during this longest was Israel has faced. Degel Menashe wishes him the best in life and in his pursuit of higher learning.

YET ANOTHER FIRST, A BAT MITZVAH!

Rachel with her birthday cake.

Degel Menashe sends out a BIG MAZAL TOV to Rachel Nengaithem Haokip for her Bat Mitzvah and a road to future paved with responsibility and success!

The Bat Mitzvah girl with her family.