Rosh HaShana 5786 Greetings from Degel Menashe

(September 21, 2025) The year 5785, spanning 2024 and 2025, has been significant for the B'nei Menashe in both Israel and India. A total of 22 scholarships were awarded to B'nei Menashe youths pursuing higher education. Additionally, several activities took place, most notably Dorit Lombroso's photo exhibitions, which were held at the Hebrew University in December 2024 and at the Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food & Environment in Rehovot during May 2025. Kibbutz Ma'oz Tzur in Lamka has been steadily growing and is nearly self-sufficient in terms of food production. A synagogue was established in early 2024, and a school has been operating since January 2025, serving 61 students of all ages. There are three teachers (two in Ma'oz Tzur and one in Shlom Tzion, Aizawl) sponsored by ORT, Mumbai, along with two volunteer teachers at Ma'oz Tzur. Interested readers can refer to our past posts in our newsletter.

There is good news: during a series of meetings with Moshe Pines, the deputy director-general at the Ministry of Immigration and Absorption, approval has been granted for the aliya of the 5,000 to 6,000 B'nei Menashe still in India. Sources indicate that this will occur gradually over several years, with the first group expected to arrive by early 2026. The government is organizing a delegation to visit the area in preparation for the aliya. It has also promised that the aliya will be managed exclusively by the government, with no involvement from private organizations, unlike the past 20 years when the process was marred by questionable activities. If everything proceeds smoothly, we will witness family reunions and the arrival of individuals who have been blacklisted and waiting, some for as long as 50 years. At long last, the B'nei Menashe can heave a sigh of relief.

Wishing all our readers, all B'nei Menashe and all Israel Shana Tova and Chag Sameach!