Israel has approved a plan to bring the remaining 5,800 members of the Bnei Menashe community from India’s northeast to the country over the next five years. The decision, announced on Sunday, marks the largest and most organised immigration effort for the community so far.
The Jewish Agency for Israel said the move aims to complete the Aliyah of the Bnei Menashe by 2030. “This historic decision will bring approximately 5,800 members of the community to Israel by 2030, including 1,200 already approved in 2026,” the agency said in a statement.
For the first time, the Jewish Agency will oversee the entire process, including eligibility interviews, coordination with Israel’s Chief Rabbinate and Conversion Authority, arranging flights, and managing the community’s absorption once they arrive. The plan will cost an estimated 90 million shekels (around USD 27 million), covering flights, conversion classes, housing, Hebrew lessons, and other support.
Immigration and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer presented the proposal to the cabinet. A team of rabbis is expected to travel to India soon to begin interviewing around 3,000 Bnei Menashe who have immediate family members already living in Israel. “It will be the largest delegation sent to date and the first in more than a decade,” the announcement said.
The immigration process will involve several agencies, including the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, the Population and Immigration Authority, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In the past, many Bnei Menashe immigrants were resettled in the West Bank. Recently, new arrivals have been placed in northern Israeli towns, especially Nof Hagalil, near Nazareth, and future arrivals are also expected to be settled there.
The Jewish Agency called the move a meaningful national effort. “This government decision reflects the shared responsibility of the State of Israel and The Jewish Agency. Our involvement in planning, preparation, transport, and absorption is central to ensuring the success of this initiative,” it said.
The Bnei Menashe community traces its roots to the ancient tribe of Menashe, one of the 10 tribes exiled around 2,700 years ago. Their Jewish identity has long been debated, but in 2005, Sephardi Chief Rabbi Shlomo Amar recognised them as “descendants of Israel,” allowing them to immigrate.
Around 2,500 members of the community already live in Israel, and reports say many of their young people serve in combat units of the Israel Defence Forces.
The Jewish Agency, which facilitates Jewish immigration worldwide, described the decision as a major step in strengthening Jewish unity and supporting communities returning to Israel.
