The 'new' couples
The 'new' couplesLaura Ben David, courtesy of Shavei Israel

Fifteen Bnei Menashe couples, all of whom immigrated to Israel from Manipur, India, two months ago were remarried on Monday in a festive and emotional group ceremony.

The ceremony was held at Shavei Israel’s absorption center in Kfar Hasidim, after the new immigrants had completed their formal conversion.

The 15 couples were among 225 new Bnei Menashe immigrants who arrived in Israel in June thanks to the Jerusalem-based nonprofit Shavei Israel. They all hail from the northeastern Indian state of Manipur, on the border with Burma, which is home to the largest concentration of Bnei Menashe in India. The new immigrants plan to settle in the Galilee, in Israel’s north, after they leave Kfar Hasidim at the end of August.

“After realizing their dream of making Aliyah and returning to the Jewish people, these 15 Bnei Menashe couples now have an additional reason to celebrate,” said Shavei Israel Founder and Chairman Michael Freund.

“They have now been remarried in a traditional Jewish wedding ceremony which symbolizes the new lives they are building here in the Jewish state. We wish them a hearty mazel tov and much joy, health and success here in Israel.”

During the weddings, the brides had their hair and makeup done, and wore traditional white wedding gowns, while some of the grooms wore traditional suits with Bnei Menashe tribal designs.

Among the couples who married were Sharon Hangshing (79) and Hillel Hangshing (80) from Churachandpur, Manipur, who have a married daughter and grandchildren living in the Israeli town of Migdal Ha'emek. The couple came to Israel with a widowed daughter and her two sons, as well as a single son. They left a daughter-in-law and her children behind.

“I’m very excited! We wanted to see Israel with our own eyes but unfortunately our vision is weak. I feel like we’ve come home! Israel is like coming to paradise on earth. It’s not comparable to any other place. My excitement is beyond all imagination,” said Hillel.

“If only our grandchildren who we left behind could come here and experience this as well,” added Sharon.

The Bnei Menashe (sons of Manasseh) claim descent from one of the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel, who were sent into exile by the Assyrian Empire more than 27 centuries ago. They believe their ancestors wandered through Central Asia and the Far East for centuries, before settling in what is now northeastern India, along the border with Burma and Bangladesh.

Throughout their sojourn in exile, the Bnei Menashe continued to practice Judaism just as their ancestors did, including observing the Sabbath, keeping kosher, celebrating the festivals and following the laws of family purity. They also continued to nourish the dream of one day returning to the land of their ancestors, the Land of Israel.

Over the past 15 years, Shavei Israel has made the dream of aliyah (immigration to Israel) possible for over 3,500 Bnei Menashe and plans to bring more members of the community to Israel. Currently there are 7,000 Bnei Menashe in India awaiting their return to the Jewish homeland.