Jerusalem, 31 December, 2025 (TPS-IL) — The Knesset’s Immigration, Absorption and Diaspora Committee said Wednesday that up to 1,200 members of the Bnei Menashe community from northeastern India are expected to immigrate to Israel in 2026, as part of a multi-year government plan. About 5,000 community members are still awaiting approval in India.
Roughly 600 immigrants are expected to arrive by March 2026, with another group later in the year, pending approval by Israel’s chief rabbi and immigration authorities.
The NIS 90 million ($28.1 million) plan includes absorption and conversion in northern communities. Committee chairman MK Gilad Kariv welcomed the move but criticized delays in bringing Ethiopian Jews to Israel.