The word “Aliyah”, is a very important in Hebrew , it means the immigration of Jews from the diaspora to the Land of Israel. The word comes from the same Hebrew root as the word “la-alot” (“to ascend”) or “ma-alot”, as in the “Psalms of Ascent” (Psalms 120-134) which were recited by pilgrims on their way up to Jerusalem for the great feasts. The word “Olim” (again from the same Hebrew root) means “immigrants” returning home from the nations where they have been scattered.
There are many prophecies about Aliyah. When God repeats himself and says something more than once, we really need to pay attention because it clearly concerns something of special importance to him.
Isaiah 49:22 - This is what the Lord GOD says: “Behold, I will lift up my hand to the nations, and raise my banner to the peoples. They will bring your sons in their arms and carry your daughters on their shoulders
We are living the prophecies right now and we must do our part to support the waves of immigration to Israel. We from SHALOM ISRAEL / L.I.F.T. have a partnership with Michael Freund, chairman and founder of SHAVEI ISRAEL a Jewish organization that is actively reaching out to “lost Jews” in an effort to facilitate their return to Israel.
One of those groups are the Bnei Menashe, that claim to descent from the Tribe of Manasseh that settled in northeastern India, along the border with Burma and Bangladesh.
The Bnei Menashe continued to practice Judaism just as their ancestors did, including observing the Shabbat, keeping kosher celebrating the festivals and continued to nourish the dream of one day returning to the land of their ancestors, the Land of Israel.
SHAVEI ISRAEL has established two main centers in India, one in Manipur region and the other in Mizoram that prepare the local community (around 7000 people) with Hebrew and religion studies for the Alyiah. About 4,000 Bnei Menashe have made Aliyah to Israel under SHAVEI ISRAEL’s auspices.
The cost for SHAVEI ISRAEL per immigrant is just US $1,000, which covers airfare and transportation from India to Israel as well as some of the initial absorption costs. Dr. George Annadorai, Chairman of L.I.F.T., already contributed for the Alyiah of many of the members of this community.
The absorption includes help in finding employment, acquiring a profession, retraining and college scholarships.
We believe that the Jewish people returning to the Land, is part of the restoration that will affect not only Israel, but will impact all the earth.
The Bnei Menashe are also precious diamonds, as every precious stone, they need to be cut and polished so they will obtain the fire and brilliance, and reflect the light of the Lord.
We at SHALOM ISRAEL ASIA PACIFIC / L.I.F.T , count it an honor that we were among the “gentiles / nations” that the GOD OF ISRAEL had called and commissioned to bring the Jews back him (according to Isaiah 49:22).
If you are a Christian you too have been called to become GOD’s end-time partner as you do this holy work. If you also believe in this, join us in our efforts to support the Alyiah of the Bnei Menashe.