Gary Lalhruaikima Zolat, a 21-year-old soldier from the Kfir Brigade’s 92nd Shimshon Battalion in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), was killed in combat in Gaza. Zolat, a native of Hmar Veng village in Kolasib, Mizoram, was part of the Bnei Menashe community—a group recognized as descendants of the ancient tribe of Menasseh. Zolat’s family had moved to Israel in 2006 and were granted Israeli citizenship under the Law of Return, which enables members of recognized Jewish communities to immigrate to Israel.
Zolat was one of four IDF soldiers killed in an intense battle against Hamas militants. His father, Dagan Zohmingliana, shared the heartbreaking news with local media in Mizoram. Zolat had been nearing the completion of his mandatory service, during which all Israeli men serve three years, and women serve two years.
The Bnei Menashe community in Mizoram and Manipur is estimated to have around 5,000 members who have migrated to Israel, with many young men and women serving in the IDF. Zolat’s two elder sisters are also IDF soldiers, as military service is mandatory for Israeli citizens at age 18. Hundreds of Bnei Menashe community members are currently engaged in active duty as the conflict with Hamas in Gaza continues.
Zolat is the second Mizo-Jew soldier to lose his life in the recent hostilities. In September, Geri Gideon Hanghal, 24, another Bnei Menashe and IDF soldier, was killed when a Hamas operative rammed a truck into his outpost near Beit El. Hanghal’s family, who had immigrated to Israel in 2020, were still acclimating to their new life when they received news of his passing. He had spent six months studying Hebrew and Torah at a Yeshiva in Nof HaGalil before joining the IDF.
The Bnei Menashe community has deep ties to Israel, strengthened in 2005 when Sephardic Chief Rabbi Shlomo Amar formally recognized them as descendants of the tribe of Menasseh. This recognition enabled many families to immigrate and seek citizenship under Israel’s Law of Return. Approximately 5,500 Bnei Menashe still reside in India, awaiting approval to join family members in Israel.
For families like the Zolats and Hanhals, this conflict has brought both immense pride and profound grief. Their contributions to Israel’s defense reflect a commitment spanning both continents and centuries, uniting Mizoram’s Mizo community with Israel’s defense efforts in a shared history and faith.
