Black Jews

The Black Hebrew Israelites are an African American religious community who believe themselves to be descendants of a lost tribe of Israel. Their religious practices differ from mainstream Jewish communities, including the allowance of polygamy, prohibition of birth control, and a vegan diet.1

The group originated in Chicago in 1967 under Ben Ammi Ben Israel and later moved to Israel in 1969, primarily settling in Dimona. Their claims to Jewish heritage led to significant debate in Israel, as they could not provide evidence to satisfy the Chief Rabbinate, who deemed them not Jewish and thus not entitled to citizenship under Israeli law.1

Despite initial visa issues and debates about deportation, an agreement in 1990 granted them temporary residency, making them eligible for government support and leading to the development of an organic farming village for the community.1