Bnei Menashe honor adoptive families in Kiryat Shemona
One of the most important programs for ensuring the successful absorption into Israel of new immigrants from the Bnei Menashe has been the creation of a network of adoptive families. These families welcome the newcomers from India into their homes, inviting them for Shabbat and holidays, and helping them navigate a strange land with a new set of invariably perplexing customs.
Last week, the Bnei Menashe of Kiryat Shemona decided to show their appreciation for the adoptive families who have helped ease their transition. Representatives of the 120 Bnei Menashe who have settled in this most northern of Israeli towns, along with their 25 adoptive families, gathered at the local Hesder Yeshiva for a celebration of community – of connection between veterans and recent arrivals.
The evening was the initiative of Shavei Israel staff member Rabbi Alon Mass. Also attending were other members of the Shavei team, Hanan Orbach, director of Bnei Menashe absorption for the northern region; Asher Platzki and Yehuda Singson.
Rabbi Alon Mass
Rabbi Mass spoke about how the community has prospered in the year since they arrived in Israel and moved into their new homes. Hanan Orbach followed up with a lecture on Shavei Israel’s absorption vision for the community. The Kiryat Shemona adoptive families shared stories of their experiences and the Bnei Menashe reciprocated by handing out small gifts for each family including a special thank you letter.
Shavei Israel has arranged for adoptive families in all of the towns where the Bnei Menashe have been settled since the most recent wave of aliyah began in 2012. Bnei Menashe communities can now be found in Tiberias, Upper Nazareth, Safed and Acre – in addition to Kiryat Shemona.
The adoptive families are usually connected with a local Garin Torani – young Israelis who move together to a town to strengthen its religious character. Shavei Israel staff prepare the ground before a new group of Bnei Menashe moves in, publicizing their impending arrival and asking for volunteers. Shavei Israel then makes the match – think of it as JDate for Indian aliyah!
One of the most moving stories shared during the evening was that of Yoel and Ora Itol, a Bnei Menashe family who just had a baby girl. Their adoptive family arranged a Kiddush in synagogue following Shabbat services, taking care of all the arrangements for the overwhelmed new parents. To everyone’s great surprise, the newborn received the name Yaffa – the same as the adoptive family’s mother.
We have pictures from the appreciation ceremony in Kiryat Shemona below.
