Kibbutz Ma'oz Tzur's women-folks with their gifts from Operation Exodus.
(March 21, 2025) On behalf of the B’nei Menashe community at Kibbutz Maoz Tzur, we extend our deepest gratitude to Operation Exodus once again, for your invaluable relief support. Your generosity and commitment have provided much-needed assistance and hope during challenging times. Your efforts truly make a difference, and we are incredibly grateful for your kindness and dedication. A request has been put up for the Beit Shalom, Lamka community, as well.
Thank you for standing with us and for your unwavering support!
List of gift received:
Rice: 1.25 tons.
Lentils (Dal): 60 kgs.
Potatoes: 60 kgs.
Onion: 30 kgs.
Eggs: 25 boxes of 30 each.
Cooking Oil: 50 liters.
Below are some photos of the distribution of the gifts:
A mother with her daughter examining items to be distributed.
A child with a big appreciative smile.
Children pose with the Passover gifts.
A Ma'oz Tzur woman displays the gifts she received for her family.
Mother and child happily poses for a photo.
Time to go home with a loaded basket.
Post-distribution, Ma'oz Tzur residents, all smiles.
Children of Ma'oz Tzur in their Purim attires pose in front of a poster honoring Sgt Gary's courage.
(March 18, 2025) Marking a second time, Kibbutz Ma'oz Tzur hosted a Purim celebration with an abundance of joviality this time as compared to last year when the celebration was rather subdued, due not only to the two wars, in north-east India and in Israel but also due to paucity of funds. However this year, with the wars having subsided coupled with a generous donor and a designated fund, the community could afford a relatively better one. Our newsletter learnt that about a hundred and fifty people came together to share the community meal that was laid out that day. Apparently, the residents of Ma'oz Tzur were joined by the BMC (B'nei Menashe Council) members as well as a host of others from nearby communities. It was joyful celebration in the true spirit of our forefathers who had overcome an evil plan to annihilate them. This time, too, it was true for the B'nei Menashe who had fled the Imphal valley to escape militant Meitei supremacist who had destroyed their communities, synagogues, livelihoods and had hunted them down to kill. Only providence had saved them. It was indeed a fitting celebration, not only to have survived the ordeal in the last two years but to be able to find shelter and thrive. Degel Menashe's assistance was matched by a generous donor from Israel, Dagan Zolat and his family from Afula, Israel who made this grand celebration possible and special. Dagan is the father of Sgt Gary Zolat who fell in Gaza late last year.
Guests enjoying the Purim meal.
Guests began arriving early in the morning by around 7 am, received warmly by the elders. Following a brief welcome, the ceremony began by the reading of 'Megillat Esther' by Shem Haokip. As the reading concluded at the synagogue, the crowd proceeded to an open ground where a large tent had been erected for the celebration. The organizers had arranged for a small program mainly aimed for the children. Mishloach Manot (presents) were distributed for them and they gave a short presentation in the form of a group dance. As explained by Leah Baite, elementary and pre-school teacher for Ma'oz Tzur's school, that Purim is special for the children. The enthusiasm was palpable, marked by
A Ma'oz Tzur family with their presents.
their happy faces. One of the residents quipped that this, by far, the best celebration Ma'oz Tzur has ever had since its establishment. One goes to hope that this will be the beginning of the many more festivals that will be celebrated here with joy. Purim fell on a Friday this year, so there was a conscious effort to wind up the celebration early to be able to prepare for Shabbat. The meal was served by noon and the revelers sat down for it till it was time to go home. But not without the last but but very important item for the day.
Formalization of Kibbutz Ma'oz Tzur entry into BMC's fold.
Earlier on, several months ago, the elders of Ma'oz Tzur had been pressing for a recognition from the BMC officials as a full fledged member of the B'nei Menashe community. It had been deliberated and discussed over the last few months. The council had its rules as well as criterions that had to be fulfilled to become one. It was determined that the community had the number required, minyan, a synagogue and even a school. Officials and responsibilities had already been in place with Shem Haokip as the chairman and general secretary, Nathaniel Touthang. In keeping with fulfillment of the requirements it was decided, as per the Bye-Law provision under section 2(c) of the BMC charter, Kibbutz Ma'oz Tzur had come to be instated as the 25th member of the B'nei Menashe community under its fold on Purim, 14th Adar, 5785 or 14th March 2025. This was officially announced by the vice-president, Ovadia Touthang in the presence of members. It was a double joy for the residents of Kibbutz Ma'oz Tzur, celebrating Purim and becoming a fully recognized B'nei Menashe Jewish community, all in one day. In all it was a productive day filled with joy!
Guests and residents begin arriving at the venue.
Ma'oz Tzur ladies in their traditional fineries for Purim celebrations.
Program begins!
Shared community meal, a traditional B'nei Menashe way of celebrating festivals.
(March 14, 2025) Two days ago on 12th March 2025 (12 Adar, 5785), an event took place in the tiny B'nei Menashe community in India's remote north east that was a cause for excitement and will be remembered for a long time; Dr. Josiah Mate's wedding with Dr. Naomi Tungnung. The ceremony was conducted at Geljang resort overlooking the beautiful lake that bears the same name. Guests numbering several hundreds flocked together to witness this special occasion. Josiah, 32, the second child of Hezekiah and Chingpi Mate, is serving the state government as Medical Officer (M.O) whose exam he had cleared earlier in 2023 (Our newsletter had done a write-up about him: https://www.degelmenashe.org/post/a-b-nei-menashe-doctor-gets-prestigious-posting). He has two sisters, one older and another younger. The family is a member and attends the Beit Shalom Synagogue, Vengnuom, Lamka.
Kibbutz Ma'oz Tzur members present gifts to the newly-wed couple.
Our newsletter caught up with Dr. Mate, post-wedding and posed a few questions for him. He is Lamka born and bred, attended St. Mary's School and the Ray Burn junior college. After which he sat for a national level medical college entrance examinations. He was declared successful and gained a seat at the prestigious Regional Institute of Medical Sciences at Ranchi, capital of Jharkand (a state in India). He graduated in 2017 and proceeded with his internship and residence. He wanted to pursue his specialization but that was put on hold because of exigencies arising out of the covid crisis. Despite his disappointment, a year later, when it subsided, he sat for Manipur Health Services competitive examinations securing 74th position out of the 124 candidates declared successful. He is currently posted as the Medical Officer for Behiang sub-division in the erstwhile state of Manipur. He told our newsletter that he intends to pursue his further studies and would enroll for specialization very soon. On being asked about his future plans and Israel, he replies that it is the dream of every B'nei Menashe to live in Israel and that he is no exception. "When our turn comes, we'll be ready" he says and continues, "There is one problem which our community faces: the unpredictability of our turn on the aliya. This stands as a challenge to our academic pursuits and aspirations. I plan to begin my specialization very soon but if the aliya comes along while I am in the middle of my studies, I might have to just give it up. A solution to this problem, dilemma has to be found".
Degel Menashe wishes Josiah and Naomi good tidings to become one of the pillars of the B'nei Menashe community, in spirit and in temporal aspirations. Mazal Tov!
