Bene Israel

Hebrew for “Sons of Israel,” the Bene Israel are a Jewish community in India. Origin theories for this group include descent from one of the Lost Tribes of Israel, shipwreck survivors, refugees from persecution throughout the Middle East, or Jewish colonists from Yemen. Notably, the relations between the Bene Israel and Hindu and Muslim neighbors was relatively peaceful. Throughout British rule in India, many Bene Israel found opportunities for employment in the military or colonial administration. After Indian Independence (1947) and the foundation of Israel (1948), many Bene Israel emigrated to Israel or other British Commonwealth countries.