Degel Menashe to Sponsor Summer Camp for B'nei Menashe Children at Kibbutz Ma'oz Tzur , Brit Milah, another first

(June 13, 2025) Degel Menashe is happy to announce a first ever summer camp for B'nei Menashe children at Kibbutz Ma'oz Tzur, Lamka, India. Invitations have been sent out and several parents have expressed their interests. It will be sponsored by Degel Menashe and organized by the BMC. The camp will begin on the 16th of June and will last a week till the 21st June, 2025. Shimon Thomsong, the kibbutz's religious instructor will lead classes in religious disseminations and Ohaliav Haokip, general educator-designate, to spread awareness on the importance of education. Jessica Thangjom will hold a meeting with the children on capacity building and career guidance with an eye on their eventual aliya in the near future. Eleazar Gangte will hold special Hebrew classes with a primary intent to expose students to modern Hebrew. It may be noted that several help books have been sent by Degel Menashe to school in the past few years. One of the classes is equipped with a 'smart tv' and Wi-Fi, instructions will be approached with an unorthodox means by using "YouTube". Besides these, there are fun and game programs under the initiatives of teacher, Leah Baite and her two volunteers, Rosy and Esther. During their stay, all children will be provided lodging and food. A budget has been designated and allocated by Degel Menashe. The primary goal of the program is to expose children to life in Israel, the importance of education with an eye to prepare them for the lives in Israel in the future.

A BRIT MILLAH AT KIBBUTZ MA'OZ TZUR, ANOTHER FIRST!

Shraga, which means 'light'.

In a truly historic and joyous moment and another significant first at Kibbutz Ma'oz Tzur, a 'Brit Millah', an age-old Jewish circumcision ceremony, was performed on Shraga Mangoulien Thomsong on the 14th of Sivan, 5785 corresponding to 10th of June 2025 on the secular, Gregorian calendar. He is the second child of our religious instructor, Shimon Thomsong and his wife, Shira. Shraga, which means 'light' in Hebrew is often associated with wisdom, knowledge and enlightenment. The proud parents, Shimon, told our newsletter that he and his wife chose that name in consultations with a rabbi in Israel.

Sandak, Enan holds the baby while the father, Shimon, looks on.

The ceremony was performed at the community synagogue at the kibbutz by Ofir Tungnung, an accomplished mohel from Beit Shalom, Vengnuom synagogue. The honor of being the sandak was given to Enan Khongsai, who is also a resident of the kibbutz. A simple meal followed the ceremony, fulfilling the sacred covenant that God had with our patriarch, Avraham, thousands of years ago. The parents have chosen a truly beautiful and an uncommon name. Hopefully, this will usher in many more happy moments and an increase in our numbers. Degel Menashe joins the many who wish this beautiful family to grow from strength to strength,

MAZAL TOV TO THE THOMSONG FAMILY!

Degel Menashe Honors two fallen B'nei Menashe IDF soldiers at an Exhibition

At the venue: Faculty of Agriculture, Food & Environment, Rechovot.

(June 4, 2025) An exhibition of the B'nei Menashe photos by Dorit Lombroso was held last Tuesday, 27th May 2025 to honor the memories of the two B'nei Menashe soldiers. The Library of the Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment in Rechovot became a place of reflection, remembrance, and connection as it hosted a Photo Exhibition in remembrance of two fallen soldiers - Sgt. Gary L. Zolat and Gery Gideon Hanghal. The event brought people together not only to view stunning photographs, but to pay tribute to two brave souls who gave everything in service of their country. The event was sponsored by Degel Menashe along with the Indian Jewish Heritage Center (IJHC) and the Cochin Heritage Center.

Indian Ambassador, Singh, speaks at the event.

The program was conducted by the IJHC chairman, Rafi Bhonkar who gave a comprehensive overview of the Indian Jewry with special emphasis on the B'nei Menashe. He offered a powerful and informative presentation on the history of the four Indian Jewish communities in Israel. His timeline wove together stories of migration, faith, and identity, a living testament to the rich cultural mosaic of the Israeli society. In attendance were His Excellency Mr. J.P. Singh, the Ambassador of India to Israel, the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment and the photographer, Dorit Lombroso. Ambassador Singh spoke warmly with sincerity reflecting on the beauty of the photographs, taken in some of India’s most breathtaking landscapes, and emphasized the deep and evolving relationship between India and Israel, a bond symbolized in both the imagery and the presence of the gathered community. Photographer Dorit, whose work was at the heart of the exhibition, shared her own journey of discovery. She recounted how she came to know the community and has felt deeply connected ever since. With visible emotion, she described the people she met as “the most lovely,” and her photographs reflected that sense of affection and respect, capturing not just places, but the essence of lives and legacies. One of the most touching moments of the event came when the family of Gary Zolat addressed the audience. His father, Dagan, and sister spoke about Gary’s life - his kindness, his deep love for animals, and the gentle, caring nature that made him so special.

Rafi Bhonkar gives a glimpse into the Indian Jewry.

Bereaved father Dagan Zolat delivers a tribute to his fallen son.

The evening concluded with a spirited performance of a song "Ka Thange, KaThange" (Honor is Upon Me), a song composed over 50 years ago that tell a story of the B'nei Menashe reconnecting with their past. A light meal sponsored by Degel Menashe from a B'nei Menashe caterer from Nof HaGalil, Zo Chowka. The director was not able to attend the exhibition due to passing away of a family member but was represented by his wife, Jessica Thangjom.

Degel Menashe is humbled and proud to have been part of this meaningful and unforgettable day, a tribute that will remain in our hearts for years to come. May the memories of Gary Zolat and Gery Hanghal continue to inspire and bless us all.

Ambassador Singh and photographer Dorit Lombroso with some of the B'nei Menashe in attendance.

B'nei Menashe Aliya Discussed at Meeting called by the Kneset Committee

The committee meeting in progress.

(May 21, 2025) On the 20th May 2025, a meeting was called by the Knesset Committee on Aliya & Klita chairman, Oded Forer, in the premises of the Knesset. The meeting was attended by the deputy director-general of the ministry, Moshe Pines, the Jewish Agency along with a host of departmental officials including director of the Ministry of Foreign affairs, Michal Weiler-Tal, who is in charge of southeast Asia and NGOs representing the interests of the B'nei Menashe, including Shavei Israel and Degel Menashe, represented by its executive director, Yitzhak Thangjom.

Executive director speaks at the meeting.

The meeting was presided over by the chairman of the committee, Oded Forer, who made a broad emphasis on the aliya of the B'nei Menashe. In the run of the questions, deputy director Pines made known the government's serious intent on making this aliya a reality after a gap of about 4 years. He made it clear that the government is looking to bring in all the 5 to 6 thousand, which represents the total population in the region, within 4 to 5 years. Priority will be given on basis of seniority and family reunion, not necessarily in that order. This had been the criteria for aliya ever since the Rabbi Avichayil initiated it in the early 1990s. It had been continually flouted ever since Shavei Israel took charge in 2003/4. Nepotism, favoritism and serious malpractices peppered the 20-odd years it was in charge. Now that seems to be changing with the current ministry insisting that it will conduct the aliya without the involvement of any NGOs. As per estimates that was made available, a financial outlay of about 130 to 150 million Shekels ($ 30-40 million) will be needed over a period of five years. This will have to be passed by the government led by the finance ministry. Regardless of that, it was reliably learnt that the first batch of about 500 olim should arrive by late this year, November or December. This will be followed by a similar number by Pesach.

A similar meeting was held last week by Pnina Tamano-Shata, the previous minister and current MK. It was held in the Negev Hall in the Knesset and spoke about similar objectives. Degel Menashe was represented by its two board member, Rivka Lunkhel and Shmuel Boitlung and volunteer, Jessica Thangjom.

Degel Menashe delegates meeting with Ms. Tamano-Shata last week.