Three Bene Israel community members in their 20s moved from Mumbai to Israel to become part of the greater Jewish story. Here they speak with Dalya about their trials and successes in maintaining their 2,000 year old past while integrating into Israeli society.

Aviva Jacob is originally from Mumbai, India. She made Aliyah to Israel and currently lives in Jerusalem. She works as a secretary at a mental health clinic.

Ronel Jacob is 26 years old and was born and raised in Mumbai, India. Currently, he resides in Herzliya and is pursuing an MA in Government from Reichman University. He completed his undergraduate degree in Computer Engineering from Mumbai University. Thereafter, he worked for ELAL airlines as a security officer for 2 years in Mumbai before deciding to draft to the IDF. 

He is a former lone soldier who served as a Sergeant in the Paratroopers Brigade.

Eliana Sasson Phansapurkar is 28 years from Mumbai, India. She has been in Israel approximately 6 years and works in social media marketing