India Israel approves immigration of thousands of Indians with Jewish roots
In the coming years, Israel wants to take in thousands of Indians who see themselves as descendants of the biblical tribe of Menashe. The government approved a corresponding proposal by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as announced by his office. According to the proposal, 1,200 of the "Bnei Menashe" are to come to Israel from north-east India by the end of next year. By 2030, there should be 5,800 people. They are to be settled primarily in the north of Israel.
23.11.2025, 14:14
SDA
Netanyahu described the decision as "important and Zionist" and emphasized the strengthening of the northern part of Israel. The border region had suffered particularly from the recent war with the Lebanese Hezbollah militia, with tens of thousands fleeing or being evacuated.
The costs for immigration until 2026 amount to the equivalent of almost 24 million euros, including costs for integration into the world of work, accommodation and Hebrew lessons.
According to the announcement, around 4,000 members of the "Bnei Menasche" have already come to Israel over the past 20 years. The new decision is intended to complete the entire process. Bnei Menasche means "children of Menasche" or "descendants of Menasche" in German.
It is a Jewish community that traditionally lives in north-eastern India, mainly in the states of Manipur and Mizoram. The members of this group believe they are descended from one of the twelve biblical tribes of Israel, the tribe of Menashe.
