AFTER SEVEN PEOPLE WERE KILLED BY MISSILES, ISRAEL WAS ASKED TO SPEED UP THE IMMIGRATION OF BNEI MENASHE.

By JERUSALEM POST staff, January 2, 2024 19: 24 Updated: January 3, 2024 01: 39

Israeli government discusses fast-track immigration for Bnei Menashe

(Photo Credit: Binyamin Gal / Aliyah, Absorption and Diaspora Committee)

Currently, about 5,500 people belonging to the Bnei Menashe community live in India and are waiting for the opportunity to start a new life in Israel.

The Israeli government was asked to speed up the immigration of the Bnei Menashe community from India after disturbances on Monday that killed seven people in northern India.

After years of waiting to immigrate to Israel, the community is now seeking refuge in Israel as their safety in India becomes increasingly insecure.

Seven people killed in a missile attack near the synagogue have shown how critical the situation is.

The Israeli government was asked to act immediately in response to the dire circumstances experienced by the Bnei Menashe community.

"Israel is making a historical mistake by not promoting the immigration of the remaining community members in India," said MK Oded Forer, chairman of the Committee on Immigration,

Absorption, and Integration, stressing how important it is to accelerate immigration. Many politicians have expressed support for Bnei Menashe's immigration. MK Penina Tamano stressed that Israel should create a comprehensive support program for society that includes people of all ages rather than focusing them on a specific type of work.

MK Shlomo Goatah suggested that people be placed in agrarian areas rather than in urban centers. Goatah said, "The state of Israel needs to correct historical injustices and absorb Bnei Menashe across the country."

To avoid criticism for interfering in India's internal affairs, the Foreign Ministry has recommended a low-profile immigration process for Bnei Menashe.

Michal Vilertal, head of the Foreign Ministry's Asia division, said: "We recommend their immigration to Israel, but in a self-effacing manner to avoid criticism for interfering in India's internal affairs." The Foreign Ministry will help in every way with the immigration of the community to Israel."

In a statement, the Jewish Agency stated, "We will support and assist in any way possible to facilitate the immigration of the community of the Sons of Manasseh to Israel. We need to prepare the appropriate infrastructure for its absorption."

"The government must make a decision to bring these communities to Israel, and therefore, all relevant ministries and government units will be involved in the relevant absorption process," said MK Moti Yogev.

News Sources : ( https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-780480 )