ISRAEL: A community of "African Hebrews" prepare to erect their first settlement in the Israeli desert, four decades after arriving it the holy land from the United States

Record ID: 395968

  • Title: ISRAEL: A community of "African Hebrews" prepare to erect their first settlement in the Israeli desert, four decades after arriving it the holy land from the United States
  • Date: 12th November 2007
  • Summary: WIDE OF PRINCE IMMANUEL BEN-YEHUDA, NATIONAL SPOKESMAN AND MEMBER OF THE HOLY COUNCIL OF THE AFRICAN HEBREW ISRAELITES COMMUNITY, SPEAKING TO MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY (SOUNDBITE) (English) PRINCE IMMANUEL BEN-YEHUDA, NATIONAL SPOKESMAN AND MEMBER OF THE HOLY COUNCIL OF THE AFRICAN HEBREW ISRAELITES COMMUNITY SAYING: "Well, we are very excited because it really gives us a c
  • Embargoed: 27th November 2007 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Israel
  • Country: Israel
  • Topics: Religion
  • Reuters ID: LVA3PLSYZKTRGQ6P66KXCOZIT0IU
  • Story Text: A group called the "African Hebrew Israelites" are finally getting their own piece of the biblical land they call home, 40 years after leaving the United States to follow what they believe was an angel's order to move to Israel.
    Some 300 members of the community, popularly known in Israel as "the Black Hebrews", arrived in 1969 in the sleepy desert town of Dimona, claiming to be descendants of the ancient Israelites and having a right to settle in the Jewish state.
    Despite observing Jewish holidays and practices, the Hebrews were never recognised as Jews by Israeli authorities, but were allowed to remain. Their legal status has since been resolved, and the government granted them permanent Israeli residency.
    But recently, prompted by warnings by fire officials to find the community safer housing, Dimona Mayor Meir Cohen decided in conjunction with the Israeli government to give the Hebrews their own tract of land in the town.

    "As you can see we outgrown the area where we are here, where we have been since 1980," said Prince Immanuel Ben-Yehuda, a white cloth-dressed spiritual leader of the community, who titles himself as the 'National Spokesman and Member of the Holy Council of the African Hebrew Israelites Community'.

    "It gives us a chance to further expand on the things that we have began to do here in this country and I think also share these benefits on a better and a stable foundation with a wider community," he added.
    On their new property, they hope not only to construct more comfortable dwellings, but to build tourist attractions such as a wellness resort, health treatment clinics and restaurants, all reflecting the community's lifestyle.

    "We expect to have something of a... resort area where individuals can come, experience the life style of the community, the diet of the community -- which as I mentioned is completely vegan -- you'll get a chance to see some of the health practices, the fitness programmes, the regiment here in the community. People can come as point of rest and relaxation and island of tranquility here in Israel," Ben-Yehuda said.
    Members of the community believe that a completely vegan diet of locally-grown fruits and vegetables, along with regular exercises and holistic health treatments, are keys to longevity and healthy living.
    A medical study conducted in Dimona by U.S. university researchers in 1998 found the community was largely free of illnesses typical to African-Americans such as hypertension, obesity and high cholesterol.
    Today, about 3,000 Hebrews live in a small government-owned compound they call the "Village of Peace", where English is the spoken language and the children wear colourful African-style robes and white headcovers.
    The members of the community have also made an effort to integrate into Israeli society by following the Israeli education curriculum in their school, located just outside the compound.
    In addition, about 100 community members now serve in the Israeli armed forces.
    The community also produces and markets their traditional natural-fabric robes and produce their own brand of gospel-style music, which has been performed both locally and internationally.
    Dimona Mayor Meir Cohen told Reuters Television the location for the new African Hebrews community was carefully chosen in order to serve their communal needs as well as economic ones.

    "Why did we choose this area specifically? You can see: two million cars are driving by towards Eilat. This is a chance to resolve the issue of their settlement, their land as well as the issue of their employment," Cohen said, standing in the middle of the desert and looking out towards the main road.

    "They are experts on various spa services, on veganism and health.
    Imagine that on the road over there there is a village: each car driving by towards Eilat can be attracted for activity," he added.
    Ends.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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