Making the most of challenging times
Miriam Haokip, 31, immigrated from Manipur, India with her family with the help of Shavei Israel in 2015. A member of the Bnei Menashe community, they settled in Kiryat Shemona, in Israel’s north. But since the continuous attacks by Hezbollah on Israel’s northern border starting after the October 7th massacre, Haokip and her entire community have been living in temporary accommodations in Tiberias, managing as best they can, and longing for home.
Haokip lives with her parents, Shmuel and Yafa Khaya Haokip, and two younger brothers, Yonathan, 24, who is a yeshiva student, and Yacov, 22, who was a soldier in the IDF’s Armored Corps until just a few weeks ago, in combat against Hamas in Gaza.
Despite many adversities and challenges, Haokip completed her BSc in Nursing from Zefat Academic College two years ago. She had been working as a registered nurse in Ziv Hospital until October 7th, commuting from her home in Kiryat Shmona.
In spite of the terribly unfortunate circumstances, Miriam was able to continue her work because the hospital has made exceptional arrangements, including transportation, for employees like her who were evacuated to Tiberias and other parts of Northern Israel.
Through it all, Haokip has maintained her faith, and is doing what she can to celebrate the important things in life, and continue to enjoy the parts of Israel that are still safe to explore.
In particular, recently she went on a special prayer trip to the Western Wall in Jerusalem with her best friend. They toured all over Jerusalem including the Mahane Yehuda market, and it seemed to give her great joy. Miriam explained, “Because I really love to spend time travelling, exploring all parts of Eretz [the land of] Israel and, of course, Jerusalem!”
The second event was more local for the Haokip family, but very meaningful. Miriam’s oldest brother, Yoel, has a son Yitzhak who just turned three. Traditional Jews often wait until a boy’s third birthday before giving his first haircut, which is done with much fanfare and a special ceremony. The Haokips held the ceremony at the tombs of the first cent ury sage Rabbi Akiva, and the kabbalist Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzatto. The family found joy and comfort in this ceremony.
We hope the Haokips, the rest of the displaced Bnei Menashe, and all the evacuees, can soon return home in safety and security, and that the hostages shall be freed and all of Israel will be in peace.
To contribute to our campaign to help the Bnei Menashe evacuees, and support the soldiers, please click here.
