Black Hebrews in Dimona, Negev, Israel

Apr. 17 Israel's black Hebrews could start race trouble; As if the ever present threat of Invasion from the United Arab Republic and other Middle Eastern countries were not sufficient, the State of Israel would seem to have what might become yet another problem on its hands. In the South of the country, at Dimona, a town of some 25, 000 people in the Negev, there is a growing community of so called Black Hebrews who affirm that they, not the Jews, are the descendants of the ancient Hebrew race. The People who call themselves Jews are no more than the descendants of converted East Europeans who have taken certain aspects of the Hebrews religion as their own. They are certainly not the Chosen people, says the Black Hebrews leader at their headquarters in Dimona. Our return to Israel is a result of the Divine will which has told us to fight against the imposition that is the State of Israel. We are here to find out the truth. The so called Jews can do nothing but accept the will of God as we, His sons, tell it, he added. At present the Black Hebrew community in Dimona numbers about 500. Amongst them are black people from the ghettos of Chicago, New York, Boston former factory workers, insurance brokers, students, even ex Harlem Globetrotters. Their knowledge of the Bible and the Hebrew tongue is perfect. The strictest rules with regard to food, as laid down by Moses are observed. The community was established three years ago, with the arrival in Israel of forty or so Black Hebrews from Liberia. They were given a sympathetic reception by the authorities and accorded all the advantages, but not the status, of citizens of the State. Since then, many have arrived from the United States, and a spokesman said recently that as many as 2, 000, 000 Black Hebrews were ready to make for Israel. But the continuing growth of the Black Hebrew community could constitute a potential source of trouble. Already in Dimona, a racial problem is occurring - the Black Hebrews are telling the Jews You are not the Chosen People, we are

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