Operation 'Wings of Dawn' Announced by the Ministry's Deputy Director General

Deputy Director General, Pines, addresses the conference attendees.

(January 30, 2026) A significant and impactful conference was held at the Kinneret Academic College, in Tiberias, on the 27th of January 2026. The event was meticulously organized by the Ministry of Aliya & Klita, with a specific focus on engaging with the B'nei Menashe youths. The primary objective of the conference was to provide these young individuals with crucial and comprehensive information regarding the various educational and job opportunities available within Israel, thereby facilitating their integration into society. The conference took place from 4 PM to 8 PM, and it was structured thoughtfully to address the myriad challenges that new olim, particularly the youth, encounter as they navigate their new lives in Israel. The event was led by Mr. Moshe Pines, the deputy director general of the Ministry of Aliya & Klita. In his speech, Pines shared a personal anecdote that resonated deeply with many attendees. He recounted the heart-wrenching experience of losing his home in Gush Katif to fire, which forced him to relocate to a neighborhood predominantly inhabited by members of the B'nei Menashe community. This experience not only highlighted the resilience and strength of the B'nei Menashe but also forged a lasting bond between Pines and the community that continues to thrive to this day. The event was ably hosted by Eyal Nitzan, the deputy director of the education

Host Nitzan on the podium.

wing of the ministry, who ensured that everything ran smoothly and efficiently. Among the notable speakers was Ms. Miri Cohen, the director of the education wing, who delivered an uplifting address filled with words of encouragement. She urged all attendees to take full advantage of the educational systems and resources available to them, emphasizing the importance of education as a pathway to success and integration in their new homeland. After the formalities were completed, the atmosphere shifted to a more interactive format as teams of experts, including representatives from Degel Menashe, were assigned specific rooms and tables. Here, participants were encouraged to present their queries and concerns regarding the educational and job markets, fostering an environment of open dialogue and support. This setup allowed for personalized interactions, where the youth could seek guidance tailored to their unique situations and aspirations. As the evening progressed, the conference concluded on a high note with a sumptuous dinner, providing an opportunity for networking and further discussions among the participants and speakers. This

Invitation to the event.

gathering not only served its immediate purpose of informing and empowering the B'nei Menashe youth but also reinforced the sense of community and belonging that is essential for successful integration into Israeli society. The event was a testament to the commitment of the Ministry of Aliya & Klita to support new immigrants in their journey towards a brighter and more fulfilling future in Israel.

The director general made an important announcement regarding the commencement of 'Mivtza Kanfei Shachar,' or Operation Wings of Dawn. This operation is a monumental initiative aimed at facilitating the return of the remaining 5,800 B'nei Menashe, who are currently residing in India, back to their ancestral homeland of Israel. The name of the operation, which translates to "Wings of Dawn," beautifully encapsulates the hope and renewal that this project represents for the B'nei Menashe people. It symbolizes not only a physical journey but also a spiritual and emotional homecoming for those who have long awaited the opportunity to reunite with their heritage and families. The ambitious project is meticulously planned to unfold over a span of five years, commencing in the first quarter of 2026 and aimed for completion by the year 2030. This timeline reflects a well-thought-out approach to ensure that the integration process is smooth and supportive for all involved. Each year, it is anticipated that more than 1,000 B'nei Menashe will successfully reunite with their families in Israel. This gradual approach not only allows for careful planning and execution but also ensures that the returning families receive the necessary support during their transition. Director General Pines has taken up this noble and momentous endeavor with a profound sense of responsibility and commitment, embodying the spirit and aspirations of all B'nei Menashe to return home. The ethos behind this initiative is clear: no one should be left behind, emphasizing the importance of community and family bonds.

Participants pack the auditorium.

Moving Exhibition at the University of Haifa Honors the Bnei Menashe Community and Fallen Soldiers

Photographer Dorit Lombroso speaks at the exhibition.

(January 1, 2026) An emotionally powerful photographic exhibition held on Wednesday, 24 December, at the University of Haifa left a profound impact on all who attended, echoing the resonance of a similar exhibition previously presented at ANU.

Through the lens of acclaimed photographer Dorit Lombroso, the exhibition brought to life the story of the Bnei Menashe community—its deep-rooted faith, historical journey, and enduring sense of belonging to the Jewish people. The photographs offered an intimate and compelling portrayal, transforming personal narratives into a shared national experience.

The exhibition was dedicated to the memory of Gary Zolat and Gary Hanghal, two courageous Bnei Menashe soldiers who lost their lives during the Iron Swords War. Their sacrifice was deeply felt throughout the hall, lending the evening a solemn and reflective atmosphere.

A particularly moving moment came when the fallen soldiers’ sisters, Tiferet Zolat and Mercy Hanghal, addressed the audience. Their personal testimonies—spoken with visible pain, profound pride, and remarkable strength—touched the hearts of all present, leaving few dry eyes in the room.

In her address, Dorit Lombroso shared that the project was born out of a strong sense of responsibility: to give the Bnei Menashe community the recognition it deserves in Israel and to draw attention to the urgent need to advance their Aliyah. “We are Jews. We must help one another,” she emphasized, summarizing the moral message at the heart of the exhibition.

The event was honored by the presence of the Deputy Mayor of Haifa, Ms. Pratibha Sharma from the Indian Embassy, and Professor Assi Meshulam of the University of Haifa. Their attendance underscored the significance of the exhibition and reflected the strong bonds of respect, solidarity, and shared values between communities and institutions.

The exhibition was organized through a joint effort by the University of Haifa, Degel Menashe, and the Indian Jewish Heritage Center (IJHC). This powerful collaboration transformed photographs into voices, memory into action, and collective sorrow into unity.

The evening stood as a poignant testament to remembrance, truth, and Jewish solidarity—an enduring reminder of shared responsibility and the strength found in unity.

Below are some photos from the exhibit at University of Haifa:

Guests arriving at the event.

Photos hung on the walls of the University of Haifa.

Parents of Gary Zolat (L) and Gary Lhanghal (R) with Indian embassy representative, Ms Pratibha Sharma.

Curator Asi Meshulam delivers his remarks.

Audiences attentively listen during the event fostering engagement and inclusivity.

B'nei Menashe women presenting a song.

Feast of Dedication and a Mikveh in Aizawl

Earlier this month, a rabbinical delegation headed to Mizoram in northeast India to conduct screening interviews for the Bnei Menashe community eagerly awaiting aliyah (Jewish migration to Israel). During their short stay in the state capital Aizawl from the first of December to the tenth of the month, the delegation paid a visit on Shabbat eve (Friday morning), December 5, 2025, to the Main Synagogue located in the Dawrpui West neighbourhood of central Aizawl.

Rabbinical delegation mesmerised by the commanding city view.

The Shlomtzion synagogue, which currently serves as the spiritual home for a little over fifty members has been under community management since the 1990s when the property deed was acquired through the combined and tireless efforts of the Rabbi Eliyahu Avichail led Amishav organistaion, community elders and notable Christian well-wishers.

The synagogue hall was temporarily housed in a structure made of semi-durable materials: gypsum board walling on a wooden frame with corrugated metal sheet roofing. Over time, the congregation constructed a more durable brick and mortar synagogue hall and even built a rudimentary mikveh (ritual immersion pool).

By virtue of its prime location in central Aizawl, the visiting rabbinical delegation was mesmerized by the commanding city view as they stood at the synagogue balcony. They even inspected the three sifrei Torah (Torah scrolls) housed in the synagogue premises, one of which has the distinction of being donated by Rav Avichail. Before taking their leave, the delegation sat down to a modest morning meal at the synagogue dining hall. Gamliel Thomte, chairman of the Shlomtzion synagogue, noted, “In all my years I never could have imagined that such an august rabbinical delegation would not only visit and have a look at our synagogue, but that they would also sit down to a meal at our humble synagogue. I give thanks to Hashem who has graced us with the privilege of such esteemed guests”.

Delegation team enjoying a humble meal at Shlomtzion

While the delegation carefully surveyed the synagogue, what caught their attention was the mikveh in the premises which was in sore need of repair but which had been put off due to the paucity of congregation funds. Rav Uriel Shlomi, spiritual overseer of the Bnei Menashe in Nof haGalil, northern Israel, immediately stepped in and handed over a handsome sum to the synagogue chairman, Gamliel Thomte. He discussed the manner in which the necessary repairs were to be conducted in line with halacha (Jewish law) and encouraged the congregation to keep the commandment of the mikveh close to their hearts.

Rav Uriel Shlomi handed a handsome sum to the synagogue Chairman, Gamliel Thomte.

The congregation fulfilled the charge by the rabbi with due alacrity and once the current round of aliyah interviews were completed, a communal work programme was announced by the synagogue elders and duly completed in time for Chanukah (Feast of Dedication), on Chanukah eve, December 14. A celebratory feast was organised on the eve of Zot Chanukah (the last night of Chanukah), December 21, to mark the joyous occasion of completing the mikveh repairs alongside a naming ceremony for the erstwhile unnamed mikveh.

With regard to the naming of the mikveh, the synagogue leadership put their heads together and after careful consideration agreed upon the name “Ohr Shalom” (Light of Peace). Three distinct ideas formed the basis for this name: firstly, the name of the donor, Rav Uriel (Light of Hashem); secondly, the contemporaneous festival of Chanukah, also known as Chag Urim (Festival of Lights); and thirdly, the name of the synagogue, Shlomtzion (Peace of Zion).

Congregants were spiritually uplifted by the attention and concern exhibited by the rabbi and expressed their deep gratitude. Leah Renthlei, a long-time member of the synagogue observed, “Observing niddah (ritual law regarding menstruation) followed by a purifying immersion in the mikveh is one of the key commandments charged to Jewish women. May Hashem richly bless this donation by Rav Shlomi and may it uplift all who immerse in the purifying waters of this mikveh in the years to come”.

Safira Pachuau, another congregant, reflected, “Although I am personally no longer bound by niddah, I am moved by how reverently Rav Shlomi holds the commandment of mikveh. I have used this incident as a vital learning opportunity to impress upon my young daughter the centrality of a mikveh in the life of a married Jewish woman”.

Nadav Hauhnar, treasurer of the Shlomtzion synagogue, shared effusively, “As a congregation we have deliberated on the pending repairs to the mikveh on several occasions, but have been held back on each instance by our meagre coffers. The visit by the rabbinical delegation and the open-hearted donation by Rav Shlomi are an answer from heaven to our financial difficulties. We express our immense gratitude to Rav Shlomi and especially to Hashem who has used the rabbi as an instrument of blessing for our congregation.”

With the completion of the necessary repairs as per the instructions of the rabbi, the Ohr Shalom mikveh at the Shlomtzion synagogue in Aizawl now stands ready to be used by all those who stand in need of its purifying waters. May the observation of the commandment regarding the mikveh be to the merit of all who immerse in it, and may it be to the merit of the Bnei Menashe waiting eagerly their aliyah to the holy land.

Chanukah candle lighting in Shlomtzion