First-Ever B’nei Menashe Demonstration in Israel Held in Tel Aviv

(November 12) A demonstration protesting Shavei Israel’s monopoly on B’nei Menashe Aliyah, and the complicity in it of the Ministry of Aliyah and Absorption, was held in Tel Aviv yesterday in front of the ministry’s offices on Esther ha-Malkah Street. Following similar demonstrations in Manipur and Mizoram, the gathering marked the first time that Israel’s B’nei Menashe have turned out to register their anger at the outsourcing of their Aliyah to a private organization that has repeatedly abused its power over them. Over 50 demonstrators were in attendance. A full account of the event, which featured an appearance by Knesset member and former cabinet minister Miri Regev, will appear in next week’s Newsletter.

A group of demonstrators. Center, Miri Regev. To the left of her, B’nei Menashe Council chairman Lalam Hangshing, on a visit to Israel from Manipur.