Operation 'Wings of Dawn' Commences, 249 B'nei Menashe Arrive in Israel last night

249 B'nei Menashe given a rousing welcome at the Ben Gurion International Airport, Tel Aviv.

(April 24, 2026) A significant milestone was reached last night as 249 B'nei Menashe olim arrived in Israel, marking the commencement of 'Kanfei Shachar', also known as Operation Wings of Dawn. This ambitious operation aims to facilitate the immigration of all 5,800 B'nei Menashe over the next five years, reuniting families and allowing them to return to their Promised Land. The initiative is spearheaded by the Ministry of Aliya & Klita, under the leadership of the deputy director-general, Moshe Pines, who has been instrumental in initiating, coordinating the logistics and support necessary for such a large-scale immigration effort. This inaugural flight is just the beginning, with two additional flights scheduled to bring in a total of 600 olim in the coming weeks. Following this, an additional 600 immigrants are expected to arrive later this year, with the operation continuing steadily until 2030. By that time, it is anticipated that all B'nei Menashe will have successfully made their way back home to Israel, fulfilling a long-held dream for many in this community.

Minister Sopher and Chairman Almog deliver welcome address to the olim.

The arrivals were greeted with warmth and enthusiasm at Ben Gurion Airport on Thursday night. Among those present to welcome the new olim were the Minister of Aliya and Klita, Ophir Sofer, who expressed his commitment to assisting the B'nei Menashe community in their transition. He was accompanied by notable figures including Doron Almog, chairman of the Jewish Agency, Yaacov Hagoel, head of the World Zionist Organization (WZO), Chief Rabbi David Yosef and his team from the rabbinate. Their presence underscored the importance of this operation and the collaborative efforts of various organizations and governmental bodies. Operation Wings of Dawn represents a collective endeavor, with the Ministry of Aliya & Klita working in conjunction with the Jewish Agency. This partnership has been bolstered by the support and approval of several other governmental departments, including Finance, Foreign Affairs, and Education. Furthermore, the operation has gained backing from various international Jewish organizations and pro-Israel groups, including those from Christian organizations such Operation Exodus and the International Christian Embassy, Jerusalem, who have shown solidarity and support for Israel and the B'nei Menashe's return to their roots. In his welcome speech, minister Sopher reiterated his commitment the aliya of B'nei Menashe and remarked that there couldn't have been a more appropriate time to welcome a plane full of olim right after Israel's 78th Independence day!

Reveling and excitement continues unabated.

The B'nei Menashe, who trace their ancestry back to the ancient tribes of Israel, have long sought to return to their Promised Land. Their journey has been marked by challenges and perseverance, and this operation represents a significant step towards fulfilling their aspirations. The commitment shown by the Israeli government and allied organizations reflects a deep understanding of the cultural and historical significance of this community's return. In conclusion, the commencement of Operation Wings of Dawn heralds a new chapter for the B'nei Menashe, promising not only the return of individuals but also the revitalization of a community that has maintained its identity and connection to Israel despite the distance. As the flights continue and more olim arrive, the hope and excitement surrounding this initiative will undoubtedly grow, fostering a sense of belonging and homecoming for all involved.

Happiness of reunions.

The new olim, will receive comprehensive government support as they navigate the multifaceted process of absorption and transition into life in their new homeland. This support is crucial for easing their integration and helping them establish a stable and fulfilling existence in Israel. They will be housed in various parts of northern Israel, such as Nof HaGalil and Kiryat Yam, both of which offer a welcoming environment for newcomers. These locations were chosen strategically to ensure that olim can benefit from a supportive community atmosphere, access to essential services, and opportunities for social engagement. In addition to housing, the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration has announced an innovative absorption 'basket' designed specifically to cater to the diverse needs of the olim community. This basket is tailored to consider various factors, including the economic status of the newcomers, which allows for a more personalized approach to support. Among the key features of this absorption basket are softer housing loans, which are intended to alleviate the financial burden that many

Celebrations continue late into the night.

olim face when seeking accommodation in a new country. These loans are structured to be more manageable, ensuring that immigrants can secure housing without being overwhelmed by debt. Furthermore, the educational support system provided extends to an impressive 15-year period, starting from the moment an oleh or olah lands in Israel. This long-term support is designed to assist families in ensuring that their children receive a quality education, which is vital for their integration and future success in Israeli society. This educational framework encompasses various resources, including language courses, tutoring programs, and scholarships, all aimed at fostering a smooth transition into the Israeli educational system as well as the job markets. In summary, the government's commitment to supporting new olim is evident through the establishment of tailored assistance programs that address their specific needs. By providing housing solutions, financial support, and educational resources, Israel aims to create a welcoming environment that empowers immigrants to thrive and contribute gainfully to their new communities. This holistic approach not only benefits the olim but also enriches the social fabric of Israeli society as a whole.

Degel Menashe's Jessica and Isaac with Dy Director-Gen, Moshe Pines and Chairman, Doron Almog.

What is truly remarkable is that, with the active involvement and support of the government, a significantly higher number of individuals arrived in just one night compared to the average yearly figures recorded over the last couple of decades, particularly when a private organization was solely tasked with this critical undertaking. This unprecedented turnout serves as a testament to the effectiveness of governmental collaboration in mobilizing resources and facilitating logistics in a way that private entities could not achieve on their own. The Ministry and the Agency have made a commendable decision to engage in this collaborative effort, demonstrating their commitment to addressing the needs of the community in a timely and efficient manner, of which the positive results were clearly witnessed last night. Furthermore, it is essential to acknowledge the heroes who work tirelessly and often quietly in the shadows, playing critical roles in the success of operations of this magnitude. Their dedication and behind-the-scenes efforts are instrumental in ensuring that everything runs smoothly and that the objectives of such initiatives are met with precision. In light of this, Degel Menashe extends its heartfelt thanks and deep gratitude to Almog Moskowitz and Yosef Havtamo, along with the dedicated teams from both the Ministry and the Agency. Their flawless execution of this noble endeavor only reflects their professionalism and also underscores the importance of teamwork and collaboration in achieving significant outcomes for the community. The collective efforts of all involved have not only made this event possible but have also set a new standard for future operations, highlighting the potential that lies in partnerships between government entities and community organizations.