Indian Community in Israel

1.  There are approximately 85,000 Jews of Indian origin in Israel. The main waves of immigration into Israel from India took place in the fifties and sixties. The majority is from Maharashtra (Bene Israelis) and relatively smaller numbers from Kerala (Cochini Jews) and Kolkata (Baghdadi Jews). In recent years, some Indian Jews from Mizoram and Manipur (Bnei Menache) have been immigrating to Israel. While the older generation still maintains a deep bonding with India, the younger generation has become increasingly assimilated into Israeli society. 

2.  Shri Eliyau Bezalel, hailing from Chennamangalam, Kochi, who distinguished himself as an eminent agriculturalist in Israel, became the first Israeli of Indian origin to receivePravasi Bhartiya Samman in 2005. Sheikh Munir Ansari, the trustee of the Indian Hospice in Jerusalem, which represents a unique Indian connection to the Holy City, was honored with the award in 2011. In 2017, Dr. Lael A. Best, an Israeli cardio-thoracic surgeon of Indian origin, was conferred this award. In 2023, Smt. Reena Vinod Pushkarna, a prominent restaurateur in Israel, was awarded in recognition of her achievements in the field of business and community welfare.

3.  Embassy facilitates the National Convention of Indian Jews in Israel. The annual event brings together around 5,000 people from all four groups of Indian-origin Jews of Israel. Annual conventions have been held in the cities of Ramla (2013), Yeruham (2014), Ramla (2015), Kiryat Gat (2016), Ashkelon (2017) and Petach Tikvah (2022). The Know India Programme has been effective in binding Indian-origin youth to India.

4.  There are about 18,000 Indian citizens in Israel, primarily caregivers employed by Israeli elders to take care of them, diamond traders, I.T. professionals and students.

5.  PM Modi addressed a gathering of around 8000 PIOs and Indian nationals working in Israel at the Tel Aviv exhibition grounds during his visit in July 2017. External Affairs Minister Jaishankar interacted with the Indian-origin community in Israel during his visit to Israel in October 2021.

 February 2023