Full Breakdown
Israel Welcomes First Wave of Bnei Menashe Immigrants Under “Operation Wings of Dawn”
4/26/2026, 12:20:24 AM
First Flight of Operation Wings of Dawn
On 23 April 2026, 240 members of the Bnei Menashe community arrived at Ben Gurion Airport. The flight, the inaugural leg of a three-flight series, was part of a government-backed plan to relocate the entire community from India’s Mizoram and Manipur states. Immigrants were received at a ceremony attended by Minister of Aliyah and Integration Ofir Sofer, Jewish Agency chairman Maj. Gen. (res.) Doron Almog, World Zionist Organization chair Yaakov Hagoel and Sephardic Chief Rabbi David Yosef. They will first reside in absorption centers in Nof HaGalil.
Historical Background & Migration Narrative
The Bnei Menashe claim descent from the biblical tribe of Manasseh, a “lost tribe” exiled in 720 BCE. Oral tradition describes a centuries-long migration through Persia, Afghanistan, Tibet and China before settling in northeast India. In the 19th century they were converted to Christianity; since the 1980s many have embraced Judaism and undergone formal conversion to qualify for Israeli citizenship. Approximately 4,000 members have immigrated since the 1990s, with the community still numbering several thousand in India.
Key Figures and Institutional Partners
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu – approved the relocation plan in November 2023.
- Ofir Sofer – Minister of Aliyah and Integration, leads the operation.
- Bezalel Smotrich – Finance Minister, co-sponsor of the initiative.
- Doron Almog – Chairman of the Jewish Agency, oversees absorption.
- Yaakov Hagoel – World Zionist Organization chair, present at reception.
- Shavei Israel – NGO that has facilitated the community’s immigration.
- Ministries involved – Foreign Affairs, Conversion Authority, Population and Immigration Authority.
Timeline of the Relocation Initiative
- 1990s – First Bnei Menashe arrivals under Israeli rabbi Eliyahu Avichayil.
- Nov 2023 – Israeli cabinet approves “Operation Wings of Dawn.”
- 23 Apr 2026 – First flight of 240 immigrants lands.
- Late 2026 – Planned arrival of a total of 1,200 immigrants.
- 2030 – Target for full relocation of roughly 6,000 community members.
Data and Statistics
- First flight: 240 immigrants (? 600 expected over three flights).
- Planned arrivals: 1,200 by end-2026; 4,800 additional by 2030.
- Total projected: ~6,000 Bnei Menashe to complete aliyah.
- Past immigration: ~4,000 members have settled in Israel since the 1990s; estimates of those still in India range from 4,000 to 7,000.
- Absorption sites: Nof HaGalil (northern Israel) and other northern towns.
Official Statements & Government Position
The ministry described the operation as a “historic moment” aimed at family reunification and demographic reinforcement of Israel’s north. Sofer emphasized that the timing—immediately after the 78th Independence Day—was “fitting and moving.” Almog framed aliyah as Israel’s “growth engine” and pledged comprehensive support for housing, language training and employment. The Jewish Agency highlighted its role in “receiving, accompanying, embracing and creating a foundation of opportunity” for the newcomers.
Criticism, Opposition, and Academic Dispute
Critics on the political right have questioned the certainty of the Bnei Menashe’s Jewish status, while left-leaning voices allege the plan may serve settlement expansion in the West Bank. Academic researchers note that the community’s claim of Israelite ancestry remains contested, with genetic studies offering limited evidence.
On-the-Ground Experiences
Arrivals passed under a balloon-adorned arch, greeted by Israeli flags and the song “Oseh Shalom.” Dagan Zolat, a bereaved father, recalled, “We were neighbors and among the only Jews in our village.” Young immigrant Amos Namte described the cultural shift: “We have these ‘Asian’ values—super polite, humble—while Israeli society loves to talk and express opinions.” Many expressed tears of joy upon reuniting with relatives after years of separation.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the number of Bnei Menashe still in India (4,000 – 7,000) and on the total projected arrivals (4,800 vs 6,000). Precise timelines for the remaining flights beyond the initial three are not detailed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “there is no more fitting and moving time to welcome a plane full of olim than right after the Jewish state’s 78th Independence Day. Welcome home!” — Ofir Sofer, Minister of Aliyah and Integration
- “Aliyah is the State of Israel’s growth engine, and every new oleh is a lighthouse of hope,” — Doron Almog, Chairman of the Jewish Agency
- “Members of the Bnei Menashe community bring with them unconditional love for the State of Israel, and through family reunification, the heart of Israeli society as a whole is expanded,” — Doron Almog, Chairman of the Jewish Agency
- “We were neighbors and among the only Jews in our village,” — Dagan Zolat, Bnei Menashe immigrant
- “I’m very excited to see how he’s grown, what he looks like, acts like,” — Amos Namte, Bnei Menashe youth
What’s Next
Two additional flights are scheduled within the next two weeks, bringing the total to roughly 600 immigrants. The government plans to continue absorption support in Nof HaGalil and expand language and employment programs, aiming to meet the 2030 target for full community relocation.
