Imphal, Aug 06: Jewish families in Manipur are praying for the safety of their sons serving under Israeli army currently engaged in a war against the Hezbollahs.

Twelve natives of North Eastern States including Manipur and Mizoram are currently at war fronts fighting for Israeli army.

One Avi Hangshing of the Tank Corps in Israeli Defence Force (IDF), who hailed from Kangpokpi was injured during the ongoing war at Jbail village in Southern Lebanon.

Tinkhopao Phaltual (60) of Churachandpur said that they pray every Saturday at the Synagogue for the safety of native Jewish soldiers and for the victory of Israel.

A senior member of the Bnei Menashe Council said, "Prayer for Israel and its soldiers have become a common practice for the Jews Phaltual".

Seikhokan Hangshing, uncle of Avi Hangshing informed that the whole family of Avi have settled in Israel since 2000 while adding that Jewish community of Kangpokpi are praying for the victory of Israel.

Seikhokan is also the general secretary of Bnei Manashe Council.

To a question, Seikhokan noted that Bnei Manashe is one of the 10 lost tribes of Israel written in the Old Testament.

He mentioned that there are 5000 Bnei Manashes following Judaism in Manipur.

He informed that about 1000 Jews who hail from Mizoram and Manipur have settled in Israel since the early nineties.

Another Jew, Benny Khongsai from Churachandpur whose daughter Zemirah Yaish has settled in Israel, said that the settlement of Jewish communities coming from different parts of the world is allowed after the Rabbies of Israel conduct ritual ceremonies for acceptance of Jewish faith.

About 200 Mizo people were allowed to embrace Judaisim after such a ceremony was conducted by a team of Rabbies at Aizawl.

Most of the Jews of the North East were Christians before they were taken into the fold of Judaism.

Under Israel's Law of Return, Jew converts can apply for immigration to Israel, Benny, a devout Jew who leads in offering players for the victory of Jews, informed.

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