GOLDEN JUBILEE AND A TALE OF RESILIENCE IN MIZORAM

Inauguration and unveiling of the plaque commemorating BMC's Golden Jubilee by its chairman, Gamliel Thomte at Shlom Tzion Synagogue, Aizawl.

(A special report from Asaf Renthlei from Mizoram on BMC's Golden Jubilee)

(March 26, 2026) The last time the B'nei Menashe of Mizoram gathered to celebrate a jubilee was on March 21, 2001 when they observed the Silver Jubilee anniversary of the revival of Judaism in Mizoram on that same date in 1976. The jubilee celebration on that occasion had a bittersweet tinge as it came shortly on the heels of the departure of a group of approximately 50 olim who had set out on their way to the Holy Land on motzei Shabbat (Saturday night), February 24, 2001. The jubilee celebration earlier this week marking 50 years since the revival of Judaism in Mizoram was a truly joyous occasion as it precedes the highly anticipated departure of the first batch of olim from Mizoram, six long years after the last group of olim departed Mizoram for the Holy Land in December 2020 amidst a global pandemic.

Ceremony underway.

The Mizoram chapter of the B'nei Menashe Council, which organized the Golden Jubilee celebrations this last Sunday (March 22, 2026), postponed by a day due to the actual date falling on Shabbat, came together from far and near to reflect on the faithfulness and kindness of God with which the community had been immensely blessed over these past 50 years. On the actual date of the Golden Jubilee, at the weekly Shabbat sermon before the morning Musaf (additional) prayers, the assembled congregants at the Main Synagogue, Shlom Tzion Synagogue, located in the state capital Aizawl, heard a special sermon on the significance of the year of Jubilee for Jewish life and for the land of Israel. Following the conclusion of the morning prayers, the congregants sat down to a special kiddush meal with a lavish spread that included cheesecake and ice-cream. Later in the day, following the afternoon prayers, the congregants sat down once again to a princely presentation of delectable seasonal fruits for the third Shabbat meal.

Members of the synagogue celebrating the Golden Jubilee.

On the day of the official celebrations, on Sunday, the synagogue compound was opened up to welcome the B'nei Menashe who had flocked to participate in a joyous occasion. Decorated in finery all around, the synagogue compound wore a festive look. An official delegation of two representatives, Mr. Moshe Hnamte (Chairman) and Mr. Yisrael Chhangte (Chazan), on behalf of the more recently established Khovovei Tzion synagogue, located in the same city, also graced the occasion and conveyed their well wishes to the Mizoram chapter of the B'nei Menashe Council upon their reaching this joyous milestone. The festivities for the day began with the Chairman, Mr. Gamliel Thomte, slated for aliyah in the upcoming first batch of B'nei Menashe olim from Mizoram, presiding over the ribbon cutting ceremony to unveil the memorial plaque commemorating the Golden Jubilee anniversary of the revival of Judaism amongst the B'nei Menashe in Mizoram. Subsequently, Mr. Matania Hauhnar, a community member slated for aliyah in the upcoming first batch of B'nei Menashe olim from Mizoram, led the congregation in prayer for the peace and protection of the

beleaguered land of Israel by reciting a series of Psalms. The congregation then rose to sing two songs of thanksgiving: “Aw Lalpa, i malsawmna hlu (O Lord, your precious blessing)” in the vernacular Mizo, and “Al kol eleh (For all these things)” in Hebrew. As part of the Jubilee celebrations, community members slated for aliyah in the upcoming first batch of B'nei Menashe olim were also presented travel suitcases sponsored by a longtime and longstanding benefactor of the B'nei Menashe, Operation Exodus (India).

Travel kits sponsored by Operation Exodus for olim added to the celebration of this joyous occasion.

A souvenir booklet, the printing of which was sponsored primarily by Mrs. Esther Boitlung in Israel, along with various other donors from Israel, was presented by Mrs. Leah Renthlei, another community member slated for aliyah in the upcoming first batch of B'nei Menashe olim from Mizoram, who spoke at length on the history of the B'nei Menashe in Mizoram, the key figures who were responsible for shepherding and championing the community, a few of the noteworthy individuals amongst the younger generation of the community in Israel, as

also the many veteran members who departed this life without having a chance to ever step foot in their beloved land of Israel. Mrs. Elisheva Khiangte, a veteran member who had been at the forefront of community endeavors ever since the era of Rabbi Eliyahu Avichail z”l, distributed commemorative citations to a few select individuals who had been a constant source of succor to the community through thick and thin. She reminded the congregation that the very celebrations on this day were only possible through the faithfulness and kindness of God who had been the strength and shield of his people over these past few decades. She exhorted the congregation to remain true to God in the coming decades despite trials and tribulations, and adjured them to demonstrate the same grit and resilience as that shown by the pioneer generations of B'nei Menashe who had came before us.

Rachel Lhouvum presents a special song.

A special item performance by Ms. Rachel Lhouvum, an internally displaced person from Manipur, who along with her entire extended family had made Mizoram their home since the May 2023 conflagration in Manipur, demonstrated this storied B'nei Menashe spirit of resilience even through unimaginable horrors. As she and her family lived through the experience of rebuilding their lives from scratch in Mizoram, she sang a Kuki song, “Israel Phung 12”, that serves as a clarion call for the Jewish world: to

Noah Simte blows the shofar to mark this milestone.

gather the tribes exiled throughout the diaspora and to be united so we can withstand our challenges as one family. Before the congregation proceeded to partake of a grand feast sponsored by Degel Menashe (Israel), the congregation broke out in song and dance to the beat of the traditional drum, khuang, that forms the basis of the communal singing called lengkhawm zai. The elderly members were ecstatic to be involved in this session of spontaneous celebration and they tirelessly sang traditional Mizo songs, songs of longing for Zion, and even Hebrew prayer texts (such as Yigdal and Psalms); all in the chant-like rhythm of the lengkhawm zai. Towards the conclusion of the day, satiated and in good spirits, the participants were reluctant to retire for the night and to bring an end to the Golden Jubilee celebrations. Mr. Noah Simte then took up a shofar, blew several triumphal blasts as night fell in the horizon, and with this dramatic gesture finally brought the Jubilee celebrations to a close. As the assembled congregants began to depart, they basked in the glow of the lingering moments of this happy day in Aizawl which had been imbued with a spirit of gratitude and of hope: gratitude for the faithfulness of God towards the B'nei Menashe these past 50 years, and a hope for a bright future for the Bnei Menashe in the coming decades.

In traditional attire.

Guests enjoying celebratory meal.

Purim Brings Joy to Ma'oz Tzur

Purim at Ma'oz Tzur.

(March 6, 2026) In the midst of ongoing conflict and turmoil, Israel experienced a notably subdued celebration of Purim this year. The government, acutely aware of the precarious security situation, issued calls for restraint regarding public gatherings. This caution came in the wake of missile strikes launched from Iran, a direct response to the dramatic assassination of their supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, along with 40 of his high-ranking military officials who were pivotal in the regime's operations. This event, laden with historical significance, marked a moment of poetic justice; after 47 long years of a grim and persistent threat to obliterate Israel, the tides seemed to shift, albeit in a manner shadowed by ongoing violence and instability. Despite the overarching atmosphere of caution and concern, Kibbutz Ma'oz Tzur was rather exuberant, finding reasons to celebrate Purim with a sense of joy and festivity that contrasted sharply with the mood in Israel. Established just over two years ago, it has become a symbol of hope and renewal for its residents, many of whom had fled from

Guests enjoying Purim Seuda.

the horrors of ethnic cleansing perpetrated by the Meitei fascists in the Imphal Valley. The community has witnessed several significant milestones since its inception, marking its journey from a place of refuge to one of stability and comfort. As the kibbutz residents gathered to celebrate Purim, they did so not only to honour the traditional customs associated with the holiday—such as reading the Megillah, and enjoying festive meals—but also to commemorate their resilience and the new life they have forged in the face of adversity. The atmosphere was filled with a sense of camaraderie and collective strength, as families came together to share in the joy of the holiday, reinforcing the bonds that had been formed through shared experiences of loss, survival, and hope. As they celebrated Purim, the residents of Ma'oz Tzur not only honoured their cultural heritage but also embraced the promise of a brighter future, one where they could live in peace and security, free from the shadows of their past.

Purim Kut 2026 at Kibbutz Maoz Tzur! Please click on this link to view cultural dance by Ma'oz Tzur children.

Children participating in fun Purim activities.

Purim was celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy, particularly focusing on activities that brought smiles to the faces of children. The day was filled with various sports and games designed specifically for the younger members of the community, allowing them to engage in friendly competition and enjoy the festive atmosphere. These activities not only provided entertainment but also fostered a sense of camaraderie among the children, who participated with great enthusiasm. The meal that accompanied the festivities was partly contributed by the residents and partly sponsored by the chairman, Lalam Hangshing, whose commitment to the community is deeply appreciated. His support ensured that everyone present could enjoy a delicious and hearty meal, enhancing the joyful spirit of Purim. The gathering was not just a feast; it was a celebration of unity, where families came together to share in the joy of the occasion. Degel Menashe played a significant role in this celebration, pooling resources to provide rice, a staple food that symbolizes sustenance and community support. Their efforts were crucial in ensuring that the meal was plentiful and satisfying for all attendees. The sense of togetherness was palpable, as

Yehuda and Milka Lhouvum presents pots to Ma'oz Tzur residents.

everyone contributed to the success of the event in their own way. Yehuda and Milka Lhouvum presented community cooking pots for the residents of Ma'oz Tzur, a parting gift since they have been shortlisted for the coming aliya. However, the highlight of the day, the pièce de résistance, was undoubtedly the special gift from Operation Exodus. The organization presented suitcases to the participants, which held profound significance as they prepared for their imminent aliya to Israel. This gesture was not merely a practical gift; it represented hope, new beginnings, and the realization of dreams for many families in the community. The suitcases symbolized the journey ahead, filled with aspirations for a brighter future in a new homeland. A small yet meaningful ceremony was held to mark this moment in the lives of those receiving the suitcases. Elders and executives of BMC(I) Ovadia Touthang, Jonathan Sektak and JK David presided over it. During this ceremony, heartfelt speeches were made, and the atmosphere was filled with gratitude and excitement. The community came together to celebrate not only the joy of Purim but also the significant step towards their future in Israel. Degel Menashe extends its heartfelt thanks to Pastor Abe and his organization, Operation Exodus, for their unwavering support and generosity. Their contribution to helping families is truly commendable, and it is through such partnerships that communities can thrive and grow. The hope is that this collaboration will continue to flourish, leading to even more aliya and cooperation in the future. The spirit of Purim, with its themes of redemption and renewal, resonates deeply as the community looks forward to what lies ahead.

Suitcases from Operation Exodus being presented to those leaving on aliya soon.

Indian PM on State Visit to Israel, Degel's Executive Director in a Delegation meet with him

Prime Minister Modi with the Indian Jewish community in Israel.

(March 2, 2026) The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in India on a highly anticipated two-day state visit to Israel, commencing on the 25th of February 2026. This visit was marked by significant diplomatic importance and was accompanied by a robust delegation comprising 200 members, all traveling aboard a specially designated aircraft that underscored the seriousness and prestige of the occasion. Upon his arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, he was warmly welcomed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara Netanyahu. This reception was not merely a formality; it highlighted the personal bond between the two leaders, which is a reflection of the deep and warm ties that have developed between India and Israel over the years. The primary objective of this visit was to further strengthen bilateral relations across various domains,

including defense, trade, and other peripheral areas, all of which are crucial to both nations. The relationship

Prime Minister listens attentively to a presentation by Dina Samte.

has been on a steady upward trajectory since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1992, evolving significantly in scope and depth. Notably, a major component of the discussions was a substantial defense deal valued at $8.6 billion with Israeli arms industries, which positions Israel as India's second-largest defense supplier, just behind France.

The first day of Prime Minister Modi’s visit was particularly memorable, as it featured a vibrant reception hosted by the Indian Jewish community at the prestigious King David Hotel in Jerusalem. The turnout was overwhelming, exceeding expectations and placing considerable demands on security personnel tasked with managing the event. Among the highlights of the evening was a performance by Dina Samte, a talented B'nei Menashe singer, who welcomed the delegates with a song "I Love my India", a popular contemporary Hindi song that resonated deeply with the attendees. This performance was not only well-received but also left a lasting impression, as Prime Minister Modi later remarked on the significance of her contributions during his subsequent meeting with Isaac Thangjom, the executive director of Degel Menashe. Dina is a member of the renowned Israeli band "Shalva," which has enjoyed considerable success both in Israel and internationally, showcasing the cultural ties that bind the two nations. Following this warm reception, Prime Minister Modi addressed the Knesset where he mentioned the the four Indian Jewish communities, including the B'nei Menashe. He acknowledged their invaluable contributions to both India and

PM Modi with Jessica Thangjom during his earlier visit in 2017.

Israel, emphasizing that these communities serve as 'the living bridge' between the two countries. It is noteworthy that this visit marks Modi's second trip to Israel, the first being in July 2017, thereby completing a significant circle in his diplomatic engagements.

The following day, Executive Director Thangjom of Degel Menashe was among the select members of the Indian Jewish community who had the honour of meeting with Prime Minister Modi in a more intimate setting. This meeting took place in a private hall at the historic King David Hotel, following Modi's earlier discussions with Isaac Herzog, the President of Israel, that morning. During this smaller gathering, Thangjom expressed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the B'nei Menashe community and the broader Indian community for the support and cooperation extended by the Indian government regarding the aliya initiatives being facilitated by the Israeli government. He reassured the Prime Minister of the community's commitment to continue working diligently towards enhancing and strengthening the bilateral ties between India and Israel. This meeting not only reinforced the existing bonds but also set the stage for future collaborations that are expected to benefit both nations.

Thangjom with prominent members of the Indian Jewish community members prepare for a meeting with PM Modi.