BMC-I Chairman Attends 76th Independence Day Celebration with Israel Embassy

BMC-I chairman, Lalam, and Pastor Oomen of Operation Exodus.

(May 22, 2024) Following an invitation from the Israeli Embassy in New Delhi, the BMC-I, chairman, Lalam Hangshing, attended Israel's 76th Independence Day celebration at the Grand Hotel, in the capital's neighborhood of Vasant Kunj. Hangshing breifly spoke with the ambassador, H. E. Mr. Naor Gilon who remarked that he remembered the meeting with him earlier. It was attended by about 400 people, diplomats, officials, including India's Foreign Secretary, Mr. Vinay M. Kwatra. Varieties of food, which covered every corner of the Indian peninsula, were served along with very noticeable Mediterranean picks. It was a sumptuous celebration, albeit a bit crowded, according to some sources. In attendance, too was Pastor Abe Thomas Oomen and his family, a long time supporter of Israel as well as the B'nei Menashe. Lalam and Pastor Oomen took time to have a conversation and pose for a photo. Pastor Oomen is the chairman of Operation Exodus. It may be recalled that following the covid19 and more recently the ethnic conflagration, it was Pastor Oomen and his organization, Operation Exodus who came to the aid of the B'nei Menashe bringing food, relief and even clothing and hygiene. The ceremony was also marked by the solemn remembrance of the 130 hostages still held in Gaza by Hamas. Good relationships, trade and affinity for Israel made the ceremony a success on a grand scale.

India's Foreign Secretary, Mr. Vinay M. Kwatra and Israel's ambassador, Naor Gilon at the celebration.

A B'nei Menashe Doctor Gets Prestigious Posting

Dr. Josiah Mate as an undergraduate student at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences.

(May 21, 2024) In a result that was declared by the Manipur Public Service Commission recently, our very own B'nei Menashe candidate, Dr. Josiah Mate secured the 74th rank out of 124 candidates declared successful. Our newsletter reliably learnt that he is slated to join the prestigious Manipur Health Service very soon at Singat, an hour's drive south of Lamka. The examinations had been held in 2021 but due to disruptions by covid19 and subsequently by the ethnic conflagration lately, results were delayed. He is the second child of Hezekiah and Chingpi Mate (he has two sisters, one older and the other, younger). They are residents of Tuibuong, Lamka and members of the Beit Shalom congregation there. Dr. Mate is a graduate of Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi, capital of the northern Indian state of Jharkhand. He completed his studies in 2017 and proceeded for an internship. Till the time of the declaration of the results he was working as a contract doctor at a dispensary at Behiang, a village on the southern border with Myanmar. It might be of interest for all that the hereditary chiefs of Behiang belong to the B'nei Menashe community with several members of their family having lived in Israel for a long time now.

We are elated at the exemplary success of Dr. Josiah Mate and hope it will serve as an example for all B'nei Menashe youths in India as well as Israel. We wish him our very best as he takes off on this journey with blessings all of the B'nei Menashe. Mazal Tov!

Dr. Mate and his family.

Ma'oz Tsur Resident Secures Distinction in Manipur Board Exams

Alona Lamneikim Touthang.

(May 20, 2024) In a recently declared results for the High School Leaving Certificate conducted by the Council of Higher Secondary Education, Manipur, Alona Lamneikim Touthang daughter of Yamthong Yitzhak Touthang was declared successful with distinction, securing First Division. They are residents of Ma'oz Tsur, the newly established refuge for displaced B'nei Menashe fleeing ethnic carnage that was perpetuated by the majority Meiteis in the state of Manipur. It has been a remarkable journey of success despite all the challenges that came her way.

Degel Menashe shares this proud moment with her and her family, wishing her every success in the pursuit of higher studies and aspirations. Degel Menashe's Executive Director, Isaac Thangjom added that this is what the community should be striving for, educational excellence, and that they will be happy to assist her in any possible way to further this endeavour.