Making aliyah: Meet Otkhokai Mordechai Baite
Mordechai Baite and his family
My name is Otkhokai Mordechai Baite, aged 67. I was born to a family of priests among the Bnei Menashe. My father was the priest and leader of our village and was responsible for all the rituals and customs concerning our community. Now, I am following in his footsteps as the chairman of our community, Moreshet Menashe, here in the town of Moreh on the border between India and Burma.
My wife Batsheva, aged 61, is an entrepreneur who deals in private export and imports of goods between the two countries.
I am blessed with six sons and two daughters. My son Yonathan made aliyah to Israel in 2007 and, after completing a course in CNC programming, is now pursuing a professional career in aviation technology. He resides in Ma’alot with his wife Joicy.
With the help of my oldest son Shmuel, I run a transportation business, which includes a passenger bus plying to and from Imphal, the capital city of Manipur, and a truck that transports people and materials within the town of Moreh.
Shmuel also helps me with the administration of the Moreshet Menashe community and is an active Shavei “Fellow” who devotes a great deal of his time towards the welfare and progress of his fellow Bnei Menashe. Shmuel, his wife Sara and their children are keen on making aliyah and leading an observant Jewish life in the Holy Land.
My second son Eleazer, has settled in the town of Churachandpur along with his family. He runs a local timber firm there and is planning to make aliyah and then, G-d willing, to resume his line of work in Eretz Israel.
My third son Yotham is also married and is the chazan (cantor) of our synagogue. He runs a goods store and is an excellent accountant.
Yoshi, my fourth son, has finished his Bachelor of Computer Applications from Manipur University in Imphal and is now planning to get a Masters’ Degree in Israel.
My youngest son Tzion, aged 18, has just taken his high school graduation exams. He is an active participant and youth leader in our community.
My daughter Rivka, aged 25, has completed her Secondary Exams, and my youngest daughter Elisheva, aged 20, has done her Higher Secondary Exams. They too dream of settling in Israel and continuing their education.