Israel is a multi-cultural Mosaic. These days, you hear many languages on Ahuza, Ra’anana’s main street. And we can spot the countries of
origin right away, without even hearing the language spoken.
For instance, French men tend to wear tight pants and
chic leather loafers while les femmes grocery shop as if parading along a
Christian Dior catwalk. (And yes, they carry a fresh baguette under their
arms!)
French aside, we now hear Spanish, Italian, Portuguese
(recent immigrants from Brazil), Russian, Ukrainian, Amharic (from Ethiopia), Arabic,
German, English and, from time to time, some Hebrew.
But what about Kuki-Chin? This is a
Sino-Tibetan language that is spoken by our Bnei Menashe immigrants and is
now heard on the streets. The Bnei Menashe, called Kuki, are from West Bengal
in northeastern India.
Just last week, two
flights of Kuki olim landed in Israel. After watching a video of showing
reunions of these families at the airport, tears ran down my face – tears of joy and
tears of pride, realizing I’m witnessing the redemption of scattered peoples
returning to Israel.
The Kuki story is a miracle unto itself. In 722 BCE, the
Jews were expelled from Israel by the King of Syria. The tribe of Menashe
travelled northeast and kept wandering until they found themselves in the Chin
Hills not far from where India meets Burma.
Although this area is mostly Hindu, the
Bnei Menashe were able to keep their Jewish customs and traditions for 2,700 years. They did this through prayer, song and stories. Over the years, some were converted to Christianity
by missionaries but others clung to their dream of a return to Zion. They often
had to practice their religion in secret, but recently have been able to pray
openly.
And now, 2,700 years
later, the Bnei Menashe are finally coming home. The chief rabbi of Israel
acknowledged their Jewish roots and an organization called Shavei Israel is bringing them to Eretz Israel.
In the past 15
years, some 3,000 have come to Israel, many of them settling outside Jerusalem
and in the Galilee. In Tsfat in the Galil, I often see them shopping on market day, their
babies cozily tucked inside colorful cloths. The young moms are tiny and compact, exuding happiness in the lightness of their step.
This very special
people has a thirst for learning. They are spiritual and proudly practice their
Judaism. They are committed, sincere and are true Zionists. And once they
arrive, they become educated, find jobs and join the army.
There are still
7,000 living in West Bengal who wish to make aliyah. They are learning Hebrew and
Torah studies in preparation for their dream to come true.
And just last week,
families fell into each other’s arms in a beautiful reunion. One woman waiting
at the airport was reunited with a niece she had not seen in 23 years and with a mother she had not hugged in 15 years. Now, together, they will live
in the land of their dreams.
When I look at these
people, I am inspired. While living life day to day, it is easy to become ungrateful, frustrated, disenchanted. Yet when we look at the Jewish redemption and of dreams coming true, it’s our wake-up call to see the bigger picture. It's time for reflection and pride and it's a moment to pull out the Kleenex.
These new olim may
be counting their blessings to be here, but we must recognize that they are a blessing
for the Jewish people. Israel is a living, colorful, radiant mosaic.
