Israel approves immigration of ‘India’s forgotten Jews’ by 2030

It emerged from a largely Christian community in northern India before a Jewish movement developed based in the belief that its members were descended from one of the Lost Tribes, leading back to Manasse, one of the son’s of Joseph.

Israel did not allow Bnei Mesashe to make aliyah until 2005, when they were recognised as a lost tribe by Sephardi Chief Rabbi Shlomo Amar. Community members still require special dispensation from the Knesset to move to Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: “I welcome the important and Zionist decision adopted today by the government, which will bring about an additional wave of immigration of the Bnei Menashe community to the Land of Israel.

"The new immigrants will settle in the north of the country, as part of the government’s policy to strengthen and develop the North and the Galilee.”

The decision was initiated by Netanyahu and Israeli Aliyah and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer, in collaboration with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Minister Elkin, the PMO said.

“This wave of immigration joins the blessed immigration we have seen over the past two years from many Jewish communities around the world—an immigration that strengthens the resilience, solidarity, and renewal of the State of Israel,” said Sofer.

Smotrich added: “Completing the immigration of the Bnei Menashe is a renewed connection with brothers who have carried in their hearts the longing for Zion for generations.”

A first Israeli delegation will depart within a week to India, together with the Chief Rabbinate, Conversion Authority, Aliyah and Integration Ministry, Population and Immigration Authority, Foreign Ministry and the Jewish Agency to examine the community members’ eligibility, according to Decision 2442 from 2007, which allows groups to enter Israel for the purpose of conversion and naturalisation, the PMO added.

After approval of the lists by the chief rabbi of Israel and the president of the Great Rabbinical Court, the immigrants will enter the country with an A/5 visa, the statement read.