Guwahati, Wednesday, May 11, 2005
NORTH EAST
From Sangzuala Hmar
AIZAWL, May 10 – After the historic recognition of the Bnei Menashe tribe of Mizoram as the lost tribe of Israel by Isreal’s Chief Sephardi Rabbi Shlomo Amar, the Mizo Jews felt that the much awaited exodus to the Holy Land was coming soon. The expected arrival of Rabbi Yahuda Gin, the first Rabbi from the Beni Menashe clan has once again ushered them into a new ray of hope.
“We are waiting for the arrival of Rabbi Yuhada Gin, who would possibly be in Aizawl on Tuesday,” said Liyon Fanai, secretary, Information and Publicity, Bnei Menashe community of Mizoram. Rabbi Khanok Avitzedek from Israel will follow him, Liyon added.
After the recognition, the Mizo Jews have been eagerly waiting for the rabbis to demeanor ‘Giyur’ (ritual rebirth/ conversion). The Bnei Menashe community leaders said that after the conversion ritual, the community would be able to immigrate to Israel under the “Law of Return”, which allows Jews to return to their homeland as citizens.
The visit of Rabbi Yahuda can be seen as a ground work for the arrival of ‘Beit Din’ (rabbinical court); the court will formally recognise the Mizo Jews who have already endured ‘circumcision’. Bnei Menashe community leaders have ascertained that 925 persons have endured the circumcision rite.
Economic immigration, the factor that is reportedly one of the major concerns of the Israeli Government would hamper the immigration, the Bnei Menashe community anticipated. Liyon Fanai said that every precaution would be made to circumvent such possibilities.
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