(May 15, 2024) The B'nei Menashe community at Ma'oz Tsur celebrated Israel's 76th Independence Day with a meal. The celebration was rather muted under the shadows of two wars; in Israel and in what used to be Manipur targeting their ethnic group by the majority Meitei Hindus. BMC-I office holders were invited and they happily joined in the celebration. HaTikva was sung, however, with complete enthusiasm highlighting their longing for Israel. An elder of Ma'oz Tsur, Reuven Haokip, remarked that it was happy occasion despite the gloom that surrounds us and there is always hope to sustain us. Menashe Seiboi Kipgen, designated Ma'oz Tsur administrator concurred with him saying, we live in trying times, we must do our best to make sure everyone of us is looked after, no one should starve or be found wanting. For this I will do my best, he added.
Ma'oz Tsur residents enjoying Independence Day meal.
(May 12, 2024) Yom HaZikaron or Remembrance Day for the fallen of Israel were observed solemnly by members of the B'nei Menashe community this evening in northeastern India. Candles were lit and Psalms recited in memory of 25,040 who fell in defense of Israel and another 5,100 civilians who lost their lives due to war and terror. Since the last Memorial Day, 1,600 lost their lives including 1,516 since 7th October. Plans have been made to follow it up with the Independence Day celebrations that comes in tomorrow evening with celebratory meals.
(May 10, 2024) The BMC-I Chairman, Lalam Hangshing, has been invited by the Israeli Embassy at new Delhi for the commemoration of Israel's 76th Independence day. Hangshing had been a frequent guest at the embassy and is an avid proponent of Indo-Israel ties and believes this relation will contribute mutually to the interests of
Ambassador Epraim Dowek (centre) flanked by Aviel Hangshing (immediate left) and Joshua Thangjom (extreme left). File photo.
both the countries besides benefitting the Indian Jewry, especially the B'nei Menashe. He had been visiting Israel on several occasions in the last few years, despite travel restrictions culminating out of covid19. The General Secretary BMC-I added that it was a big honor for him but a bigger one for the B'nei Menashe community as a whole.
It may be noted that his father, (L) Aviel T. Hangshing and (L) Joshua (L.S) Thangjom had initiated relations with the first Israeli mission in the early 90s led by ambassador Ephraim Dowek. They were serving in the elite Indian Administrative Service. Thangjom had even hosted the ambassador, his wife and team in Imphal, Manipur. Both gentlemen has since been deceased and are buried in Israel as per their wishes and lifelong dream. Lalam Hangshing's invitation marks the first time since that time any B'nei Menashe had been at any level of proximity with the Israeli Embassy. Despite the war that the B'nei Menashe faces on two fronts, in Israel and in Manipur, there is an air of hope and optimism in the horizon that culminates from this development.
Meanwhile on the other side, the 27-odd B'nei Menashe communities in Mizoram and the erstwhile Manipur are also gearing up to observe Rememberance Day and the Independence Day as they had always done. The Information Secretary in a communique addressed to all communities requested them to observe these days solemnly as had been done in the past. A source reliably informed our newsletter that candle lightings and reading of Psalm for the fallen Israeli soldiers on the 12th May eve and to be followed by a celebration on 14th May Independence Day. Reuven Haokip, the leader designate of Maoz Tsur residents, says he plans to hold celebratory meal to commemorate the occasion. He continues that the past year had been a year of many 'firsts', the first Succot, Hannukah, Purim, Pesach and now, the first Yom HaZikaron and Independence Day. Maoz Tsur has made tremendous progress since we began over six months ago. Where we were six months ago and where are we now? We will invite all the BMC-I executives and some guests to sit down with us for a meal.
The announcement in the local vernacular, Kuki, is on the right. Its translation runs as this:
Commemoration of Yom HaZikaron & Yom Ha'Atzmaut
An important information to all B'nei Menashe brothers and sisters that this coming Monday (13th May) is Yom HaZikaron for the soldiers of Israel who sacrificed their lives for Israel. We request all to join us in observing this important day.
Candles may be lit beginning on Sunday night, in our capacity, for the upliftment of the souls of the departed along with reading of the Psalm.
Tuesday (14th May), Yom Ha'Aztzmaut (Independence Day) may be observed in a befitting manner.
