Bnei Menashe Aliyah: meet Elon Haokip
In the past couple years, despite many challenges, Shavei Israel managed to bring several hundred Bnei Menashe immigrants from northeast India to Israel on Aliyah. Among them is 55-year-old Elon Lunkhojang Haokip, a Manipur native, who was very excited to fulfill his dream and return to the land of his forefathers.
Elon remembers becoming interested in his heritage some twenty years ago when he learned that the roots of his family go back to the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel. Elon began leading the lifestyle of an observant Jew and chose to support his community using his talents and strengths. He first served as chazan (cantor) in the local B.Vengnom Beith Shalom community center, and, later, as mohel, bringing some 1000 Bnei Menashe kids into Abraham’s covenant.
Elon is married and raising four sons and a daughter who all joined him on his way home to the Jewish State.
“It’s like a dream for me to go to the land which I’ve always longed for and this dream is finally coming true with the help of Shavei Israel!’ Haokip exclaimed emotionally.
Now, two years later, Haokip is very happy to be able to continue his holy work in the Holy Land!
