In the southern Manipur district of Churachandpur, Shavei Israel has opened a relief center to assist 140 families (out of the 292) that have sought refuge there. We have been arranging for temporary shelter for the families and have been distributing food packages containing rice, lentils, vegetables and other basic items. In addition, we have given diapers and baby formula to parents with infants, medicine to the sick and elderly, and we have also purchased clothing such as shirts, pants, undergarments, etc. since many of the refugees were forced to flee their homes and leave all their belongings behind. 

The remaining 152 Bnei Menashe refugee families (out of the 292) are spread out in three other locations and Shavei is providing assistance to all of them. In Kangpokpi, Manipur, we are helping 17 families; in the border town of Moreh we are providing aid to 90 families; and in the neighboring state of Mizoram, where 45 Bnei Menashe families fled from Manipur, we are assisting them as well.

 

The chaotic situation has presented many challenges to Shavei’s staff in Manipur but they are working around the clock to assist as many people as possible. This operation is costing us a small fortune as we are spending well over $10,000 per week (or $5 per family per day) to help the refugees through this crisis.