Making aliyah: Meet Avraham Haokip
Avraham Haokip and his family
Shalom, I’m Avraham Haokip from Imphal, the capital of the northeastern Indian state of Manipur. I’m married to Esther Lupheng, who is from the Beith Shalom community in the Sadar Hills District of Manipur, and I am blessed with two wonderful boys: 4-year-old Adam Shmuel Gurion and 1-year-old Yehuda. My parents – Peniel and Shalva Haokip – made aliyah in 2007 along with my younger brother Shachar who is now married and lives in the Israeli town of Ma’alot.
Following my graduation from Delhi University in 2006, I studied software, electronics and Information Technology in a program sponsored by the Israeli vocational training network ORT, under the auspices of the Jewish community of Mumbai.
After my schooling, I returned to Manipur where I worked in the State Family Health Department for three years, living in the Sadar Hills area (where I met my wife-to-be). Presently, I am working as an Assistant Computer Operator in Imphal’s Information Service Television (ISTV).
Avraham plays guitar
During 2009, I was invited to participate in Shavei Israel’s Bnei Menashe Leadership Seminar. I then undertook in every possible way the responsibility to help my fellow Bnei Menashe in religious activities and social community programs. I have participated in every Shavei Israel seminar since then.
I want to personally express my thanks to Shavei Israel for everything you have done for us, and to the Israeli Government for all the love you have shown the Bnei Menashe,without which the dream of making aliyah would not be possible. Most of all, thanks to Hashem; may G-d guide all of Israel.
Todah and lehitra’ot – we’ll see you soon in Israel.