Hundreds of members of the Lost Tribe on Menashe gathered in Churachandpur in the Indian state of Maniput to celebrate the Hanukkah holiday.
The celebration, which occurred on the second night of Hannukah on Monday, was attended by Bnei Menashe from across northeastern India. The Bnei Menashe trace their descent to the tribe of Menashe, one of the exiled Ten Lost Tribes from the land of Israel over 2,700 years ago at the hands of the Assyrian empire.
The event was sponsored by Shavei Israel, an organization that aim’s to strengthen the ties between the Jewish people, the State of Israel and the descendants of Jews around the world.
“The story of the Maccabees’ heroic determination to preserve their Jewish identity under the most trying of circumstances is one that resonates very strongly with the Bnei Menashe, for they too have made enormous efforts down through the centuries to cling to their faith and that of their ancestors,” said Shavei Israel Chairman and Founder Michael Freund. “Even in far-off Manipur, the flame of Jewish survival continues to burn brightly.”
Since beginning its work with the Bnei Menashe, Shavei Israel has helped 3,000 members to make aliyah to Israel. 7,000 Bnei Menashe are still in India, waiting for their chance to return home to Zion.
WATCH: Bnei Menashe Light the Menorah
