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Israel’s “Wings of Dawn” Brings 240 Bnei Menashe ImmigrantsIsrael’s “Wings of Dawn” Brings 240 Bnei Menashe Immigrants

4/26/2026

29 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Israel launched “Wings of Dawn” program to relocate Bnei Menashe community from India by 2030.
On Thursday, 240 Bnei Menashe immigrants arrived at Ben Gurion Airport in the program’s first flight.
Minister Ofir Sofer greeted the newcomers.
Jewish Agency chair Doron Almog called the arrival historic.
Israel will settle the immigrants in Nof HaGalil centers and bring 1,200 Bnei Menashe to reach 6,000 by 2030 to ease labor shortages.

History

Historical Context

In 1949–50 the United Kingdom and United States airlifted tens of thousands of Yemenite Jews to the newly founded State of Israel in Operation Magic Carpet, a move that swelled Israel’s population and supplied a large share of its agricultural labor. The immigrants later formed the Yemenite Association, founded in 1923, shaping early Israeli politics.

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Story summary

Israel launched “Wings of Dawn” program to relocate Bnei Menashe community from India by 2030.
On Thursday, 240 Bnei Menashe immigrants arrived at Ben Gurion Airport in the program’s first flight.
Minister Ofir Sofer greeted the newcomers.
Jewish Agency chair Doron Almog called the arrival historic.
Israel will settle the immigrants in Nof HaGalil centers and bring 1,200 Bnei Menashe to reach 6,000 by 2030 to ease labor shortages.

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