Indian B'nei Menashe Tribe Moves to Israel Claiming Ancient Jewish Roots
A community from Northeast India called the B'nei Menashe is moving to Israel, claiming they descend from an ancient Jewish tribe exiled 2,800 years ago. Israel is accepting them as Jewish immigrants despite thin evidence for their claims.
The B'nei Menashe community from India's Manipur state believes they are descendants of Manasseh, a king of Judah who was exiled about 2,800 years ago. They practice Judaism and pray in synagogues in their home villages.
Israel is welcoming them as immigrants under its Law of Return, which grants citizenship to Jewish people worldwide. However, historical evidence supporting their ancestry claims remains limited.
Rabbi Eliyahu Avichail investigated the group's claims in the 1980s and gave them their current name, B'nei Menashe. He founded an organization to help supposed lost tribes immigrate to Israel.
Many community members like Kipgen face long waits for approval to move. They describe feeling torn between two lands while waiting for their promised new life in Israel to begin.
The community represents one of several groups worldwide claiming Jewish ancestry and seeking recognition from Israel.
This shows how religious identity and ancestry claims can shape modern immigration policies. It highlights ongoing debates about who qualifies for citizenship based on ethnic or religious heritage, an issue affecting many countries worldwide.
More B'nei Menashe members await approval for immigration to Israel. The community continues seeking official recognition.
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