2009 Expedition to the Descendants of the Tribes of Menashe & Ephraim in the Indian Subcontinent

13 days in the Indian states of Mizoram, Manipur and Assam.

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
india intro 88 (photo credit: )
india intro 88
(photo credit: )
13 days in the Indian states of Mizoram, Manipur and Assam November 29, 2009 - December 10, 2009 The 2009 expedition will depart in late November for the Indian subcontinent with the aim of meeting with the dispersed descendants of Menashe and Ephraim, the sons of Joseph. The 12-day journey will travel to the border area between Burma, India and Bangladesh in northeast India, to the states of Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram. During the expedition we will meet with members of the Shinlung ethnic minority, who live in the mountainous regions of Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram, and who claim descent from the tribes of Menashe and Ephraim. Within breathtaking, exotic and remote landscapes there live many communities of the Kuki, Mizo and Naga tribes. All the groups are distinct from one another. Although the majority is Christian, a minority has begun the process of returning to their Jewish origins during the last century. Both groups believe in their historical connections to the tribes of Menashe and Ephraim. The story of their wanderings from Assyria through central Asia; and then to China from where they were banished southward to Burma until their arrival in this area, is prominently interwoven in their collective narratives as it is in the geographical research of the area and its inhabitants. We will visit numerous villages where we will meet small, warm Jewish communities as well as the Christian populations, and we will learn the stories of the culture and faith of the region. We will spend a Shabbat in the largest Bnei Menashe center in Manipur where we'll experience the local Shabbat customs as well as the yearning for personal contact with other Jews and with the State of Israel. We will also meet with various local researchers who will enlighten us with their unique hypotheses regarding the historical identity and cultural heritage of the various groups. Those who wish to may remain on in India for a few days after the departure of the expedition to complete their tour of other interesting sites in the vicinity such as Jaipur and Varanasi, or any other destination of choice. Departure Dates: Meeting in new Delhi for those arriving on their own, on Monday morning November 30, 2009 For those coming from Israel - Departure from Israel on Sunday Night November 29, 2009 Ending in New Delhi, for those returning on their own, Thursday morning December 10, 2009 For those returning to Israel - Arrival on Thursday evening December 10, 2009 The Expedition Route After meeting in New Delhi where we will spend the night, we'll depart by air to the northeast of the Indian subcontinent, to the city of Dimapur on the border of Nagaland and Assam. We'll travel to the mountains of Nagaland State, to the capital, Kohima, located at an altitude of 1,495m above sea level. We'll spend two days in the capital where we'll encounter the mountainous scenery and see the historic sites of one of the most remote communities of the Bnei Menashe. From Nagaland we'll travel by land to the border of Manipur, which we'll cross on a scenic mountainous road. On our way southward, we'll pass through an important Bnei Menashe center in Kangakupi, where we'll meet with the villagers in the synagogue and at the cemetery. As evening approaches we'll head for Imphal, the capital of Manipur State. We will devote three days to Imphal and its environs. We'll visit the sites of the city, Loktak Lake, Shachochiro Falls and the museums of the area. The jewel in the crown of our visit to this area will be Shabbat, which we will spend in the most important Bnei Menashe center in the entire region - in the town of Churachandpur. Spending Shabbat in the Shavei Israel center in the town, in the company of hundreds of the Bnei Menashe community - will undoubtedly be a truly lifelong unforgettable experience for all of us. Once we have completed our visit to Manipur we'll fly to the Indian city of Silchar in Assam State. From Silchar we'll travel via beautiful mountainous roads toward Mizoram State. Along the way we'll stop in at some villages where Bnei Menashe and Bnei Ephraim communities live - Varienta, Colosiv, Bualfoy and Shifir. By days' end we'll arrive to the capital of Mizoram State, Aizawl, which is located in the midst of an impressive and wild mountainous region. We will meet with numerous people in this picturesque mountain city, and with members of the Bnei Menashe and the Bnei Ephraim communities. We'll benefit from amazing views of the area, as we visit the ethnographic center at Reik, where we'll learn about the anthropological histories of the various members of the Chinlong tribe. From Aizawl we'll fly back to Calcutta where we'll where we'll switch planes to New Delhi, from where we'll head off to our destinations or origins of choice. Our office will be happy to organize onward tours for you to Jaipur and Varanasi, or any other destination in India. Price of the Expedition: $3,300 per person Price for travelers from Israel, including international flights: $3,990 per person Single Supplement: $680 Price Includes: 12 days expedition from day of meeting in Delhi and until departure from Delhi Accommodation in hotels or hostels depending upon field conditions Kosher half board (breakfast and dinner), plus supplies to prepare sandwich lunches 5 domestic flights: Delhi-Calcutta-Dimapur; Imphal-Silchar; Aizawl-Calcutta-Delhi Airport & fuel taxes for domestic flights in India 2 English speaking Israeli guides Accompanying Indian guide Local Indian guides per state Meetings with local scholars and researchers Entrance to all the sites in the program International flights from Israel according to the price mentioned above Pre-departure seminar in Israel Price Excludes: International flights to and from Delhi for those making their own travel arrangements Airport taxes and fuel surcharges Indian Visa ($50) and special entry permits to the states of Nagaland, Manipur & Mizoram (about $120) Tips for local service providers ($95 per participant) Extra stays in Delhi (for those arriving early or remaining on afterwards) Pre or Post-tours in India Health and baggage Insurance Personal expenses such as: drinks, telephone, laundry, shopping, etc. Important Notes The Expedition Program The expedition program can change according to situations that may arise along the way: inclement weather, road works, permits issued by Indian authorities, unexpected developments arising from the meetings with the various communities, etc. The expedition staff will make the necessary decision on site and will inform the participants accordingly. Accommodation In Nagaland, Manipur, Assam and Mizoram accommodations are in basic tourist hotels, the best available, for a total of 8 nights. In Delhi accommodations are in first grade tourist hotels. In Churanchandpur we will spend Shabbat in the Shavei Israel Center of the local Bnei Menashe community. Accommodations are dormitory style and gender separated. Transportation The main part of the expedition, in the states of Nagaland, Manipur, Assam and Mizoram we will travel by buses that are used for public transportation. The best we can find locally. These are not the type of tourist buses that can be found in other parts of the world. In Delhi, we will travel by first grade touring coach. Participants The Ten Lost Tribes Challenge is a unique expedition that travels to far-flung locations under challenging conditions, and requires a suitable mix of fellow explorers, that will be able to complete the expedition and will manage with the situational conditions. The adventure is very real and will be a lifetime experience for the participants. In order to ensure that all who register are suitable for the task, registrants will be asked to complete a personal questionnaire that will enable the organizers to choose those best suited for the expedition. The questionnaire is available from the expedition Project Coordinator Shuli Yazdi, email: shuli@shaibarilan.com Phone: +972-3-922-4410 ext 112. The number of participants in the expedition is limited to 30 Registration Procedures Participants who have been accepted to the expedition will pay a registration fee of $500 upon registration The balance will be paid up to 45 days prior to departure, and not later than September 9, 2009. Please forward to our office a Xerox copy of your passport (photo page) up to 45 days prior to departure, and not later than September 24, 2009 a copy of your visa for India, PLUS 3 passport photos for the special entry permits for the states of Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram Cancellation Terms Up to 45 days prior to departure: $250 cancellation fee per participant 15-44 days prior to departure: $750 cancellation fee per participant 5-14 days prior to departure: $1850 cancellation fee per participant 4 days and less prior to departure: The entire cost of the expedition. Fridays Shabbat and Holidays (including Chol Hamoed in Israel) and Sundays and Public Holidays abroad are not considered working days. Cancellation notification must reach us via fax, email or mail. Details, application forms and registrations forms are available from: Expedition Coordinator, Shuli Yazdi: +972-3-922-4410 email: shuli@shaibarilan.com
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