The Manipuri connection to Israel-Hamas war

One may find it strange but there is a Manipuri and Mizoram connection to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

In this battle, more than 200 fighters of the Kuki community with roots in North-East India are also ready to fight. These people are part of the Israel Defense Force. The Kuki community is praying for their safety in this time of war.

Not much is being heard in the international media about the people of these Kuki communities. These people who are in the IDF.

According to the reports, of the 3,60,000 reserve soldiers mobilized by Israel, 206 people of the Kuki community have their roots in Manipur and Mizoram of India.

There are approximately 5000 people of the Kuki community in Israel. These people had reached here under Israel's special open door policy. Under the policy, members of what Israel recognizes as 'lost Jewish tribes' were allowed to immigrate to Israel. And as it happens, when Hamas terrorists entered Israel this small community was in the direct line of fire.

Most Kukis live in Sderot, a city near Gaza. This area faced the worst violence. There were no injuries, but one family's home was burned. Bnei Menashe is the Hebrew name of this community. It translates as children of Manasseh. Per Shavei Israel, an NGO that helps 'lost tribe' Jewish communities immigrate to Israel. Menashe was the first son of Joseph, revered as the first prophet in Judaism.

Shavei Israel's earlier Facebook post said Bnei Menashe had 188 members. They love their country (Israel) and will do whatever it takes to protect it.

In Aizawl, prayer services have been held for those killed in Israel and the IDF. They said that we are proud of our boys. Perhaps, no one in India tracks the IDF's promised land offensive in Gaza more closely than the small community for which they speak.