Written by: ICEJ South Africa
Article source: JOY! Magazine

On November 23, 2025, the Israeli government made a decision that will forever change the lives of more than 5000 people living in the remote hills of northeastern India. In a historic vote, PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet approved a five-year plan to complete the Aliyah of the Bnei Menashe community – descendants of the ancient Israelite tribe of Manasseh who have kept their Jewish identity alive for over 2700 years in exile.

Sponsoring Aliyah
The International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ) has sponsored Aliyah flights for almost half of all Bnei Menashe immigrants since 2012 and this recent announcement represents the fulfilment of decades of prayer, advocacy, and practical support. It is also a powerful reminder that God’s promises to “bring your descendants from the east” (Isa 43:5) continue to unfold in our generation.

A community’s long journey
The Bnei Menashe story reads like a Biblical epic. Their oral traditions trace their ancestors back to the Assyrian exile of 722 BC, when the northern tribes of Israel were scattered across the ancient Near East. Over centuries, they migrated eastward along the Silk Road, settling in China with the Kaifeng Jewish community before reaching India, and eventually finally settling in what is today the north eastern Indian states of Manipur and Mizoram.

Descendants of Israel
Despite isolation and wanderings, they preserved remarkable Jewish traditions: a day of rest similar to Shabbat, abstention from pork, ritual sacrifice, and an annual festival involving the abstention from leavened bread. Most poignantly, they kept alive the “Sikpui Hla”, an ancient song describing a crossing of the sea, pursuing enemies, and a pillar of fire – details strikingly parallel to the Exodus narrative. In 2005, Israel’s Chief Rabbinate officially recognised the Bnei Menashe as descendants of Israel. Since then, approximately 4000 have made Aliyah, with another 5800 waiting to do so, in India.

Why it matters
The Bnei Menashe have proven themselves worthy citizens of Israel. Many serve in the IDF with distinction; several have received the President’s Medal of Excellence for military service. They bring strong family values, a solid work ethic, and deep loyalty to the Jewish state. Since 2023, the Bnei Menashe remaining in Manipur have been caught in severe ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki populations. Approximately 1000 community members were displaced, with homes and synagogues destroyed. Many now live in refugee camps, facing what community leaders call “a blank future”. The government’s decision transforms their despair into hope.

How you can help
The ICEJ began funding the Bnei Menashe to make Aliyah in 2012 and has to date funded 1326 of the approximately 4000 who have come home to Israel. Since its founding in 1980, Christians through the ICEJ have assisted more than 193 000 Jews from more than 35 countries in making Aliyah.

2030 plan
he Bnei Menashe have settled primarily in the Galilee and Negev regions, facing typical immigrant challenges of cultural adaptation and economic stability. With the new 2030 plan, all remaining community members in India will finally have the chance to join their relatives in the Jewish homeland, completing a journey that began nearly 3000 years ago.

Take hands with ICEJ
These are rescue flights in response to the unstable situation in Manipur. The northeast region of India remains volatile, and Israel is moving quickly to bring the Bnei Menashe to safety. The total cost for visas, ground transportation, pre-aliyah preparation, and flights is estimated at R20 000 per person – creating an opportunity for Christians to participate in this prophetic ingathering. ICEJ has committed to sponsoring 100 Olim on the first flight early in 2026. As this five-year project begins, we invite you to stand with us in bringing these last “descendants from the east” home to Israel.

This article is featured in the January issue of JOY! Magazine. Read a digital version of this magazine here: joygifts.co.za

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Date published: 01/01/2026
Feature image: Supplied

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