Aizawl: Staff Sergeant Gary Lalhruaikima Zolat, a Mizo soldier from Kolasib’s Hmar Veng locality, tragically lost his life in a battle in Gaza, according to an announcement made by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Tuesday morning. He was one of four soldiers from the Shimshon Battalion (92) of the Kfir Brigade who died in the combat.
Gary, 24, had nearly completed his service when he met this unfortunate fate. His father, Dagan Zohmingliana, shared this heartbreaking news with a local news outlet, Bengvarna, further revealing that his son and the family had moved to Israel in 2006.
Gary, who had three siblings, was part of the Bnei Menashe community — a group of Indian Jews originating from Mizoram and Manipur. His two elder sisters also serve in the Israeli military, as mandatory military service is required for all Israeli citizens once they turn 18, with males serving for three years and females for two.
The Bnei Menashe community, composed of Kukis and Mizos from northeastern India, is believed to be one of the 12 “Lost Tribes” of Israel. Over time, a significant portion of the community migrated to Israel, with some becoming citizens and contributing to the country’s defense forces.
According to reports from The New Indian Express, while official figures remain scarce, hundreds of Bnei Menashe members are currently serving in Israel’s military, some of whom are fighting in the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
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