Israeli Disengagement From Gaza and The Bnei Menashe
When Prime Minister Ariel Sharon announced his plan for the disengagement of Gush Katif and some Jewish settlements in Judea and Samaria (West Bank), the Bnei Menashe community were especially affected because many had decided to settle in these territories. Prior to Israel's subsequent withdrawal, the Bnei Menashe were the largest immigrant community in Gaza.
Bnei Menashe in India were concerned about family members who they feared were in the middle of violent confrontations between settlers and IDF soldiers. They were also concerned because they had thought of Gaza as their future home once they made aliyah, that is, the immigration of Jews to the Land of Israel. Although a group of Bnei Menashe left Gaza before the deadline, others stayed with their fellow settlers during the expulsion.
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