Israel's Bnei Menashe seek quick help for community members in Manipur -  The Hindu

The Bnei Menashe community, consisting of approximately 5,000 individuals in Manipur and Mizoram, is seeking urgent assistance following the recent outbreaks of violence in the northeastern state. An Israeli non-governmental organization (NGO) has swiftly mobilized efforts to provide relief work and support to those affected by the riots.

Within the small Indian-Jewish community in Israel, there exist four distinct sub-communities, namely the Baghdadis, the Bnei Israel, the Kochinis, and the Bnei Menashe. The Bnei Menashe, the most recent community to join, traces their ancestry back to the Kuki Mizo community residing in Manipur and Mizoram. With a total population of around 10,000, the Bnei Menashe have strong ties to their homeland, and they are deeply concerned about the wellbeing of their community members amidst the ongoing ethnic turmoil.

The Bnei Menashe proudly claim their heritage as descendants of the biblical Israelite tribe of Menashe. While historically considered part of the “Ten Lost Tribes of Israel,” the Menashe originated from the northern kingdom of Israel, distinguishing themselves from the southern kingdom of Judeah, from which the Jewish people trace their lineage.

In response to the distressing situation faced by the Bnei Menashe community members in Manipur, an Israeli NGO has swiftly stepped in to address their immediate needs. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the NGO has focused its efforts on providing vital relief work and support to those affected by the recent bouts of violence and unrest.

The Israeli NGO’s relief work aims to address the pressing challenges faced by the Bnei Menashe community in Manipur. The organization is actively involved in distributing essential supplies, including food, water, and medical assistance, to alleviate the immediate hardships faced by community members. Additionally, the NGO is working diligently to ensure the safety and security of the affected individuals, offering shelter and protection to those displaced by the violence.

The Bnei Menashe community in Israel remains deeply connected to their brethren in Manipur, sharing a bond rooted in shared ancestry and cultural heritage. News of the violence and ethnic tensions in Manipur has caused great concern and distress within the Israeli Bnei Menashe community, sparking a unified call for immediate action to aid their fellow community members.

The Israeli NGO’s swift response in providing relief and support underscores the solidarity and commitment within the Bnei Menashe community. By coming together to address the crisis, the Israeli NGO and the Bnei Menashe community members in Israel demonstrate their unwavering support and dedication to their brethren in Manipur.

In conclusion, the Bnei Menashe community, descendants of the biblical Israelite tribe of Menashe, faces a challenging situation amidst the recent ethnic violence in Manipur. However, the unity and resilience displayed by the Bnei Menashe in Israel, along with the immediate aid provided by an Israeli NGO, offer hope for the affected community members. As efforts continue to alleviate their suffering and restore peace, the global community stands in solidarity with the Bnei Menashe, ensuring that their voices are heard, and their needs are met.