The Benai Israel (Hebrew for "the sons of Israel") is a term used to refer to the native Jews of India.

Most well known of Asian Jews are the Jews of Bombay, called the B'nai Israel. This community dates back approximately 1500 years in India and their centers were in Bombay (Mumbai) and Cochin (Kochi).

Separately, the B'nai Menashe are an ancient Indian group with Jewish heritage. Many of them have moved to Israel (aliyah) and undergone training to reassimilate into Judaism. Menashe refers to the name of the Jewish tribe from which they claim descendancy.

Jews ended up in India, China, and Japan and other parts of Asia as a result of their involvement in the silk trade.

See also

• Bnai Israel