Bnei menashe

For a Jewish teenager in Israel to beat, kick and stab a fellow Jew to death because his facial features are viewed as being “different”? How is such a thing even possible?

The Bnei Menashe maintain a 2,700-year-long tradition of being the lost tribe of Menashe, and seek to return to the Land of Israel.

Some of them enjoyed the taste of gefilte fish, while others politely referred to the traditional dish as an "acquired taste."

“Given the intense conflict we have witnessed here over recent weeks, it is quite remarkable to see these hundreds of Jewish immigrants coming home to Israel from all directions."

The immigrants were flown to Israel from India despite the Health Ministry’s recommendation against travel to and from the country – which has the highest amount of known infection in the world.

"We have been very excited," said Soizagin who goes by only one name and is recuperating at a Sikh temple, which has been turned into a COVID care center.

The Bnei Menashe ethnic group is said to number at around 10,000 total, and are believed by many to be descended from one of the Ten Lost Tribes, specifically that of Menashe.

Those tying the knot were among the more than 250 Bnei Menashe who arrived in Israel in mid-December on a special EL AL charter flight arranged by Shavei Israel.

After being processed by the Aliyah and Absorption Ministry, the sisters will enter quarantine in line with Health Ministry guidelines for new arrivals.

The group of 250 which made aliyah earlier this week was the first to arrive in two-and-a-half years.