Spring Brings Planting Season at Kibbutz Ma'oz Tzur

A woman meticulously plants a sapling while men prepare soil in the background.

(March 31, 2025) The residents of Kibbutz Ma'oz Tzur are preparing for two things: Passover and seed-sowing. In keeping with the agricultural cycle, seed-sowing will begin once the pre-monsoon April showers arrive. As harmless as the term might sound, locals know that this weather phenomenon bring in severe storms, cyclonic winds that has its outset in the heart of the Bay of Bengal. It hits the hardest in the nearby Bangladesh and extends into northeast India, where Ma'oz Tzur sits on the fringes of the fury of its reach, blowing off tin-roof and shattering bamboo huts. Despite the destruction it wreaks, it brings in a promise of rejuvenation, in the form of water and soil. Similarly, as always, spring brings with it Pesach, the Festival of Freedom. Meticulous plans have to be made to make sure the festival, plantings and the storms to fit in with perfect harmony!

Seeds procured for sowing.

Our newsletter was told by Yitzhak Thangjom of Degel Menashe as he took us through the plans to develop the community and turn it into a cooperative where the residents can find a livelihood after their displacement and disruption following the carnage carried out by Meitei supremacists. It is anything but impossible for them to ever return to their lives in the valley. "Kibbutz Ma'oz Tzur is situated on a 200-acre lot about a 15 minute drive south of Lamka township made available by the BMC chairman, Lalam Hangshing. In keeping with his vision, much of it will remain a forested preserve which will remain untouched, flora, fauna and wildlife. There are plans to zone it and areas designated for development, while keeping conservation and promotion of mutuality with nature, a top priority." He continues, "There are not enough seeds and saplings as we would have liked to buy, which is quite frustrating. We looked for at least a thousand banana saplings but found only 300. In the face of this, we are planning to explore other avenues like fishery, poultry, duck-farming and even livestock. The idea is to produce enough food for all."

Banana saplings being readied for planting.

Degel Menashe has made the arrangements for the purchase and procurement of the seeds and saplings required and the fields prepared for planting. 300 banana saplings have been planted last week with all the community taking part in it, excepting for the children who were attending school and their teachers. They had to be planted before the pre-monsoon showers, as explained by Ariella Haokip, a Ma'oz Tzur resident, "Bananas need to be planted before the rain comes. Since they are saplings, not seeds, they are already ready to receive the water." Another resident Isca adds, "Bananas take about 9 to 11 months to mature, We should be able to harvest them by the end of the year. By then, rain would have stopped and the bananas will have ripen wonderfully in the winter sun." In addition to that colacasia (taro), ginger, khangkhu (a beloved local garnish) and similar ones are being prepared for the coming rain.

A short breather in the shade.

Building a community and toiling for a better future.

Operation Exodus's Passover Gift for Ma'oz Tzur

Kibbutz Ma'oz Tzur's women-folks with their gifts from Operation Exodus.

(March 21, 2025) On behalf of the B’nei Menashe community at Kibbutz Maoz Tzur, we extend our deepest gratitude to Operation Exodus once again, for your invaluable relief support. Your generosity and commitment have provided much-needed assistance and hope during challenging times. Your efforts truly make a difference, and we are incredibly grateful for your kindness and dedication. A request has been put up for the Beit Shalom, Lamka community, as well.

Thank you for standing with us and for your unwavering support!

List of gift received:

1. Rice: 1.25 tons.

2. Lentils (Dal): 60 kgs.

3. Potatoes: 60 kgs.

4. Onion: 30 kgs.

5. Eggs: 25 boxes of 30 each.

6. Cooking Oil: 50 liters.

   
   
   
   

   Below are some photos of the distribution of the gifts:

   

   A mother with her daughter examining items to be distributed.

   

   A child with a big appreciative smile.

   

   Children pose with the Passover gifts.

   

   A Ma'oz Tzur woman displays the gifts she received for her family.

   

   Mother and child happily poses for a photo.

   

   Time to go home with a loaded basket.

   

   Post-distribution, Ma'oz Tzur residents, all smiles.

   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Ma'oz Tzur: Purim Festivity and Formal Absorption into BMC

Children of Ma'oz Tzur in their Purim attires pose in front of a poster honoring Sgt Gary's courage.

(March 18, 2025) Marking a second time, Kibbutz Ma'oz Tzur hosted a Purim celebration with an abundance of joviality this time as compared to last year when the celebration was rather subdued, due not only to the two wars, in north-east India and in Israel but also due to paucity of funds. However this year, with the wars having subsided coupled with a generous donor and a designated fund, the community could afford a relatively better one. Our newsletter learnt that about a hundred and fifty people came together to share the community meal that was laid out that day. Apparently, the residents of Ma'oz Tzur were joined by the BMC (B'nei Menashe Council) members as well as a host of others from nearby communities. It was joyful celebration in the true spirit of our forefathers who had overcome an evil plan to annihilate them. This time, too, it was true for the B'nei Menashe who had fled the Imphal valley to escape militant Meitei supremacist who had destroyed their communities, synagogues, livelihoods and had hunted them down to kill. Only providence had saved them. It was indeed a fitting celebration, not only to have survived the ordeal in the last two years but to be able to find shelter and thrive. Degel Menashe's assistance was matched by a generous donor from Israel, Dagan Zolat and his family from Afula, Israel who made this grand celebration possible and special. Dagan is the father of Sgt Gary Zolat who fell in Gaza late last year.

Guests enjoying the Purim meal.

Guests began arriving early in the morning by around 7 am, received warmly by the elders. Following a brief welcome, the ceremony began by the reading of 'Megillat Esther' by Shem Haokip. As the reading concluded at the synagogue, the crowd proceeded to an open ground where a large tent had been erected for the celebration. The organizers had arranged for a small program mainly aimed for the children. Mishloach Manot (presents) were distributed for them and they gave a short presentation in the form of a group dance. As explained by Leah Baite, elementary and pre-school teacher for Ma'oz Tzur's school, that Purim is special for the children. The enthusiasm was palpable, marked by

A Ma'oz Tzur family with their presents.

their happy faces. One of the residents quipped that this, by far, the best celebration Ma'oz Tzur has ever had since its establishment. One goes to hope that this will be the beginning of the many more festivals that will be celebrated here with joy. Purim fell on a Friday this year, so there was a conscious effort to wind up the celebration early to be able to prepare for Shabbat. The meal was served by noon and the revelers sat down for it till it was time to go home. But not without the last but but very important item for the day.

Formalization of Kibbutz Ma'oz Tzur entry into BMC's fold.

Earlier on, several months ago, the elders of Ma'oz Tzur had been pressing for a recognition from the BMC officials as a full fledged member of the B'nei Menashe community. It had been deliberated and discussed over the last few months. The council had its rules as well as criterions that had to be fulfilled to become one. It was determined that the community had the number required, minyan, a synagogue and even a school. Officials and responsibilities had already been in place with Shem Haokip as the chairman and general secretary, Nathaniel Touthang in regards to kibbutz's synagogue and affairs conducted within it. In keeping with fulfillment of the requirements it was decided, as per the Bye-Law provision under section 2(c) of the BMC charter, Kibbutz Ma'oz Tzur had come to be instated as the 25th member of the B'nei Menashe community under its fold on Purim, 14th Adar, 5785 or 14th March 2025. This was officially announced by the vice-president, Ovadia Touthang in the presence of members. It was a double joy for the residents of Kibbutz Ma'oz Tzur, celebrating Purim and becoming a fully recognized B'nei Menashe Jewish community, all in one day. In all it was a productive day filled with joy!

Guests and residents begin arriving at the venue.

Ma'oz Tzur ladies in their traditional fineries for Purim celebrations.

Program begins!

Shared community meal, a traditional B'nei Menashe way of celebrating festivals.