Far from home, Kukis from Manipur fight for 'homeland' Israel. Read to know why.

Israel is witnessing a raging war against Hamas even as conflict between both sides continue to escalate with each passing day. As Israel continues with its onslaught against the Hamas militants, an interesting connection to Northeast has emerged. 

About 206 Kukis, a community hailing from Manipur, are part of the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) and have been recalled as reservists to take part in the war. As part of the reservist forced of more than 3 lakhs being mobilised by the Israeli government, these Kukis who were reportedly recalled a few days ago, are all set to enter into the action as part of Israel's big plan for ground onslaught in Gaza.

These Kukis fighting for the Israeli military, are from the Bnei Menashe community, a 'lost' Jewish tribe belonging to the Kuki-Zo-Chin ethnic group. With the Israeli government recognising them as a 'lost Jewish tribe', this community has been migrating to Israel for 30 years now under the country's open-door policy. Today, the Bnei Menashe hailing from Mizoram and Manipur, are a 5,000 strong community living in Israel.

Speaking exclusively to India Today NE, chairman of the Bnei Menashe Council, India, Lalam Hangshing said that 206 reservists have been called for active duty ahead of Israel's planned ground onslaught on Gaza. Hangshing said that while 206 reservists have been called for action, about 200 fighters from the Bnei Menashe community are already engaged in active combat in the war. 

"Many of my direct cousins are enrolled in the Israeli army. While I don't know how many of them are activley involved in the fighting, I know for sure that one of my cousins, a part of the regular army, is currently in Gaza seeing action. We don't know the exact number of Bnei Menashe community in the active forces as it is classified," said Hangshing.

Hangshing also said that several Kuki fighters in the IDF have recieved commendations in the past. One such soldier is IDF staff sergeant Nadiv Khaute, who was honoured by the Israeli government on its 73rd independence day in 2021. 

The Kukis in question fight for Israel in this bloody war, even as many of their brethren are displaced back in Manipur owing to the Meitei-Kuki conflict. 

Hangshing said that the ethnic violence in Manipur has displaced many Kukis from the Bnei Menashe community, along with the rest of the Kukis. "A lot of our community members were displaced in the violence. Two synagogues were burnt down in Imphal during the start of the violence in May," said Hangshing. 

Hangshing told India Today NE that the Bnei Menashe community amount to 4000 in Manipur and 1000 in Mizoram. 

The name Bnei Menashe, is a Hebrew name, and roughly translates to 'Children of Messiah.' As per their traditions, the Bnei Menashe are stated to be the son of Joseph, who is among the most important prophets in Judaism.