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SocietyIndia

Indian Jewish community dreams of a new life in Israel

Adil Bhat | Sharique Ahmad in Manipur, India
February 6, 2026

India's Bnei Menashe believe they are one of the 10 lost tribes of Israel. A new Israeli immigration scheme plans to resettle them in the country's Palestinian-majority north. DW met with a community preparing to leave.

https://p.dw.com/p/581lx

The Bnei Menashe community, which identifies as Jewish, is based in northeastern India.

Driven by faith, a desire for belonging and limited economic opportunities at home, many members want to migrate to Israel.

Despite warnings of discrimination in Israeli synagogues and active conflicts in the region, many see Israel as their promised land and look forward to a more prosperous future.

DW Adil Bhat
Adil Bhat India correspondent with a special focus on politics, conflict and human-interest stories.
Sharique Ahmad
Sharique Ahmad Video journalist based in New Delhi@shariqueahmad_