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Source: https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-876404
India's Bnei Menashe Jewish Community Set for Homecoming in Israel
(Jerusalem Post) Michael Freund - On Nov. 23, the Israeli government approved a comprehensive plan to bring all the remaining 6,000 members of the Bnei Menashe community in northeastern India to Israel by 2030. The Bnei Menashe are descendants of the tribe of Manasseh, one of the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel exiled by the Assyrian empire in 722 BCE. Despite being cut off from the rest of the Jewish people, the Bnei Menashe remained dedicated to their heritage. They observed the Sabbath, kept kosher, and celebrated the Jewish festivals. More than two decades ago, I founded Shavei Israel. As a result of our efforts, there are now 5,000 Bnei Menashe living in Israel. The Bnei Menashe's yearning for a far-off place called Zion is not opportunistic or materialistic. It is something spiritual, primal, and ancient. The Bnei Menashe are a blessing for Israel and the Jewish people. They work hard, support themselves and their families, raise beautiful Jewish children, study Torah, and serve in the IDF to defend the country.