Jerusalem: Israel has approved a plan to bring the remaining 5,800 members of the Bnei Menashe community from Northeast India to Israel within five years. The Jewish Agency for Israel described the decision as a wide-scale initiative that aims to complete the Aliyah process for the community by 2030. The plan includes 1,200 individuals already cleared for arrival in 2026.
For the first time, the Jewish Agency will oversee all stages of pre-immigration. This includes eligibility interviews with the Chief Rabbinate, the Conversion Authority, and the Population and Immigration Authority. The agency will also organise flights, prepare candidates for conversion requirements, and manage their settlement in Israel.
The government approved a special budget of 90 million shekels. This funding will support flights, housing, Hebrew classes, conversion programmes, and other absorption costs. Immigration and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer presented the plan to the cabinet. An expanded team of rabbis will reach India soon to interview about 3,000 community members with first-degree relatives already in Israel.
Government ministries and the Jewish Agency will jointly supervise the relocation and absorption. Earlier groups were settled in the West Bank. Most recent arrivals have been placed in northern towns, particularly Nof Hagalil near Nazareth. The thousands expected in the coming years will also be moved there.
The status of the Bnei Menashe was debated in earlier years. In 2005, Rabbi Shlomo Amar recognised them as descendants of Israel, which allowed the community to immigrate. Around 2,500 Bnei Menashe already live in Israel. Youth from the community serve in combat units of the Israeli military. The Jewish Agency continues to promote Aliyah as part of its global mission.
