Our Philosophy
Most of the time around the world, when men speak of the Kingdom of God, they do so metaphorically. It is only some mythical paradise located in outer space, where the problems which have plagued humanity, magically cease to exist. What’s more, one could only reach this heaven after death.
But in this land, Israel, Northeast Africa our perspective is different. Here the Biblical prophets, especially Isaiah and Daniel, taught us of this very real kingdom. The scriptures told us that it will be established in this land, at a time when larger nations dominate the global scene. This kingdom would start as a mustard seed, minute and obscure. Yet it will eventually grow, and never be destroyed.
What does this mean to mankind now? That somewhere in this land, there is a body of people dedicated to the fulfillment of this prophecy…in order that the words inspired by the Holy One of Israel, will not fail. Moreover, it is clear that Israel must live out its prophetic purpose… to be a light unto humanity demonstrating the benefits of living according to the word of God.
The African Hebrew Israelites of Jerusalem are comprised of approximately 2,000 men, women and children residing in three development towns – – Dimona, Arad and Mitzpe Ramon – – in southern Israel. We maintain a vibrant culture which includes a communal lifestyle, a vegan diet, a system of preventive health care and high moral standards – – a holistic approach to life based on righteousness. Our intent is to live according to the laws and prophecies of God.
Since our arrival in Dimona, in 1969, it has been our objective to be the foundation for the establishing of God’s Kingdom on Earth. The accomplishments of the past years have only strengthened our faith in the words of the prophets. Perhaps it will be hard for many to conceive that the former African Americans would be the source of this inspiration, and readily leave the pleasures of the ultra-modern America for life in the desert wilderness. But it is true. It is time now to bear testimony to the infallible word of God.
“Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear not the reproach of men, neither be afraid of their revilings (insults).” – Isaiah 51:7
Although our presence (in previous years) raised opposition, controversy and much political clamor, we continue to nurture from within a lifestyle which is proving to be inspiring as well as refreshing to everyone in a world that has waxed cold.
Historical Background
As a direct result of their disobedience to the laws and commandments of God, the ancient Hebrew Israelites were held captive by various nations including the Egyptians, Assyrians and Babylonians. In 70 C.E. the remnants of The African Hebrew Israelites were driven from Jerusalem by the Romans into different parts of the world, including Africa. Many Hebrew Israelites migrated to West Africa where they, once again, were carried away captive – this time by Europeans on slave ships – to the Americas along with other African tribes people.
In 1966 our spiritual leader, Ben Ammi, had a vision that it was time for the Children of Israel who remained in America (the land of their captivity) to return to the Holy Land (the land of their origin).
In 1967, after almost two thousand years in the Diaspora, four hundred Hebrew Israelites were inspired by the spirit of God to make an exodus from America. According to plan, they settled in Liberia’s interior to purge themselves of the negative attributes they had acquired in the captivity. After spending a two-and-one-half year period in Liberia, The African Hebrew Israelites were prepared to make the last portion of their journey home, returning to Israel in 1969.
In today’s world, man has created so many diversions from and substitutions for the true worship of God that the people have lost their way. We realized just how far we had been led away from God and were astounded by the drastic changes required for those of us who desired to fulfill our responsibility to God as Hebrew Israelites. Nonetheless, we have committed ourselves to the high degree of courage and discipline required to establish an alternative lifestyle that is in harmony with the cycles of God.
Why Israel?
Israel was not intended to be fashioned after the standards of Western societies. It was once a center of spiritual guidance and instruction. Israel was to be a place where all nations would come seeking the presence and wisdom of God. We have been motivated by our spiritual teacher and leader, Ben Ammi, to take on the Divinely-inspired mission to establish the prophetic “Kingdom of God” in the Holy Land. We have built a society based on the precepts of righteousness which emanates the presence of God and serves as a living example for all men… a society where solutions to the seemingly irreversible problems that plague mankind – rampant disease, drug abuse, sexual abuse, corruption, ecological destruction, disintegration of the family unity, etc. – can be found.
We do not subscribe to any religion because religions have only divided men. We regard the true worship of God as a continuous process: 24 hours a day… 7 days a week.
“The true worship of God is an entire way of life, a continuous action, from the meal you eat in the morning, to the job you work on. It encompasses your every deed and thought.” – God The Black Man and Truth, Ben Ammi
If we all worshipped God in this manner there would be no hole in the ozone, the water would be safe to drink, there would be no threat of war and there would be no inequality among men. As the 20th century comes to a close, we realize that pursuit of the modern technological society is not the answer to that which ails man. For this reason, we have sacrificed our individual interests and invested our lives in the building of the Kingdom of God – a viable solution for the salvation for all mankind.
Our Historical Connection
To The Holy Land
Migration of The African Hebrew Israelites Throughout Africa
Prior to the excavation of the Suez Canal (1859-69) the entire Arabian Peninsula and what has become known today as the ”Middle East” were physically connected with the African continent. African people lived and moved freely throughout this region of the world.
After the invasion of the Romans in 70 C.E., remnants of the Hebrew Israelites were driven from Jerusalem. For more than 1,000 years many of them migrated across the continent, eventually reaching West Africa.
From there, they were carried to the Americas where they were to become victims of the most cruel and inhumane slavery in recorded history. However, according to the word of God, this devastating path would eventually lead them back to their homeland (Israel) to fulfill their prophetic destiny.
“The number of slaves taken by the companies and private traders during the whole period of the slave trade is difficult to estimate. One French historian says that it is no exaggeration to say that 100,000,000 people were lost…” – The Story of Sierra Leone, Frances A. J. Utting
There are many biblical references to various locations in Africa and interaction between the ancient Israelites and African peoples and places: King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba; migration into Egypt and subsequent enslavement, etc. Considering that such interaction and migration took place it is not hard to perceive that Hebrew Israelites were among the one hundred million who were taken from Africa during the trans-Atlantic slave trade. There is no way they could have escaped.
This fact is supported by the numerous accounts of Hebrew Israelite culture and religious tradition throughout Africa. In the introduction to his book God the Black Man and Truth, Ben Ammi points out that “We know that many West Africans, especially the Ashantis, are direct descendants of the ancient Hebrews because of the strong Hebrewisms that have been identified in Ashanti tribal customs, observance of the Sabbath (Saturday) as well as the name Ashanti from the words ‘ti,’ which in the west African tongue means ‘race of’ and Ashan, a town in the domain of Judah (see Joshua 15:42).”
An article published in one of Israel’s daily Hebrew newspapers, Ma’ariv (16 Sept. 1991) states, “No other Zimbabweans blow the Shofar except Zacharia who is of the lost tribe of Israel. Tens of thousands of “Black Jews” were discovered there recently… They are called “Lemba” and according to their tradition they are the descendants of Abraham, Moses and Solomon.” Mary Benson documented in her work Nelson Mandela The Man and the Movement, his reference to Israelites in South Africa, “…in 1921 General Smuts, the Prime Minister, had sent an army which massacred 163 men, women and children at nearby Bulhoek in the Eastern Cape; members of an Israelite sect…”
Acknowledging that a mass migration of Israelites did take place throughout Africa forces us to follow their footsteps across the landscape of time and to recall that during the centuries of enslavement in America the captives rebelled against the slave masters who stripped them of their names, their language, culture and religion. In his writing, Before the Mayflower, Lerone Bennett, Jr. points out that “Few slaves accepted this version of Christianity. Their God was the God who delivered the Israelites.”
Additionally, the Israelites who were taken into America maintained remnants of their heritage through the lyrics of what became known as slave songs or spirituals, “Canaan’s Land where my possessions lie…” They never stopped praising the God of Israel and never turned their eyes from Zion. Even in terms of language they continued to use certain words which were definitely rooted in their original language (Hebrew). Words such as “ain’t,” which is derived from The African Hebrew word “ayne” which also means no, not, nothing, there is not, etc.
Throughout the prophetic exile, migration, enslavement and later “assimilation” into the American way of life, many African Americans still know that their heritage is rooted in the Holy Land – Israel. On the eve of his assassination in 1968, the late Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was inspired to prophesy, “I just want to do God’s will… He’s allowed me to go up to the mountain… I’ve seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know… that we as a people will get to the Promised Land.” His words underscore an undeniable spiritual re-awakening.
Our presence in the Holy Land is fulfillment of Dr. King’s vision, the words of the prophets – “And I shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the Lord have spoken it, and performed it, saith the Lord.” (Ezekiel 37:14) – as well as the spiritual yearning of all those children of Israel who had been cast out and have pleaded with God for almost two thousand years to be restored.
An unbiased investigation of the information presented in this writing will bring us to the conclusion that people of African origin have a definite connection with the Holy Land and a role to play in the prophetic spiritual re-awakening that is in progress. While we are acutely aware of the challenge presented, we are prepared (for the sake of the creation and all humanity) to live out our responsibility and invoke the presence of God in the affairs of man. Our purpose in pursuing our heritage, against all odds, is to establish the prophetic “Kingdom of God” in the Holy Land – to be that inspiration and guiding light which is destined to shine forth from Jerusalem.
“I just want to do God’s will… He’s allowed me to go up to the mountain… I’ve seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know… that we as a people will get to the Promised Land.” – Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 1968
The truth is, blessings or curses are each the fruit (results) of the works of those upon whom they fall. Thereby, in the final analysis, man either blesses or curses himself.” – God and the Law of Relativity – Ben Ammi
Customs
Our life is a very active and fruitful founded on the laws, commandments and prophecies of the Holy One of Israel which govern interaction with family, friends and the community at-large. We do not perceive man’s relationship with God as being prohibitive. We, very simply, adhere to customs and traditions that have been, either handed down to us from generation to generation or that have evolved as we undergo a process of redemption – – the recuperation from the effects of slavery and nearly having lost total knowledge of our identity and heritage. The keeping of the Sabbath and Holy Days, (Passover, Shavuout, Memorial Blowing of the Trumpets, Yom Kippur and Succoth) as outlined in the Old Testament, is our way of expressing appreciation to the benevolent God. In conjunction with these Holy Days we also observe (among others) the following Biblical laws: the maintenance of a vegan diet void of all animal by-products (Genesis 1:29) the wearing of only natural fabrics – – cotton, wool, linen and silk (based on Leviticus 12:12) the circumcision of our male children eight days after birth (Leviticus 12:3) and, the maintenance of the laws of purification for women relative to their monthly cycle and childbirth (Leviticus 12:2-5) In accordance with the prophetic return of the Children of Israel (Jeremiah 23:7-8) annually, in mid-May, members of our community commemorate the historic exodus of the vanguard group which left the shores of America in May 1967. Two days of outdoor festivities, sports activities and entertainment mark this important remembrance which is one of our most festive, fun-filled events.
I am currently in cape town. may you please connect me a community of Hebrew Israelites in cape town. I have searching for a while now. I would love to learn more. shalom
I’m an Hebrew-israelite based in Nigeria. I don’t know how i got here (been here as a kid) but I’ve lived with a couple of families affliated with a church in a remote town called Oyo, in Oyo state of Nigeria. I need to re-unite with my “family”… I’m of the tribe of Judah. Richmond Abidemi Olu-Davies. (civil name).
My name is KingPatice Lomabama Flowers,I just found out that I am a Hebrew Israelite. I have been studying the King James Bible I purchase books from Babylonian from Timbutu and Valley of The Dry Bones.
hi my husband has been Hebrew Israelite for years and myself Christian I know it seems like how in the world but it’s somehow he’s been managing to make it work I’m trying to learn more and my children are also Hebrew Israelites my son will be turning 12 soon and I’m trying to see if there’s any special ceremony that is done when the boy turns 12 thanks for any help
Peace be with you, Shalom, and May the Almighty Praise the Righteous! I have been searching for some light, and was planning on coming to Israel for Passover. Now that I have found the community that I have been thinking about, I am excited to see you all. I recently discovered the truth of our identity, after years of darkness. Now that I have knowledge of the faiths, The Books, and the knowledge of wisdom, I am dedicated to serving The Almighty. If Yah wills, I will be of great benefit. I want to see home, and how that I… Read more »
good living examples for the nations/gentiles.Long live! to this community.Shalom.Imam Pamudji in Bandung,Indonesia.
Shalom brothers and sisters in Yah I greet you in peace. I am saddened to hear of Abba’s passing. Picked up a tweet of CBS NEWS. I spent time in Dimona in 2002/2003. I’m known as ackot Amitsah from Cape Town South Africa. I fellowshipped with the bothers and sisters in Normondy Gauteng. My son, Dominic know as Yekutiel is keen to visit and spend time learning more about the kingdom of Yah. He is 26 years old and is yearning for truth. AT the time I visited he was at school and missed the opportunity to accompany me home.… Read more »
My deepest Condoleance to the Hebrew Israelite for their late leader Benami ( Ben Cush)
i just wanted to say to all my brothers and sisters that i Love you and maybe one soon ill get a chance to fellowship with you in dimona… I love what your doing alot of here in Chicago appreciate what yur doing and the message you you send of kepp it of in jesus name
Am from Zimbabwe and wooooow this information is eye opening. Amazing! Would love to learn more,is there a community in Zimbabwe that’s teaching people more about this?
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Just would love the opertunity to return to the holy land
Praise Yah and thank him for sending us our messiYah Ben Ammi! I look so foward to coming home and one day meeting him! Yahkhai Ben Ammi khai Kingdom of Yahkhai!
I am of the so called African American. I am blown away. I always knew we didn’t belong here I jusy wasnt positive where we did belong. The bible has come alive and my eyes opened. But like all of us born in this evil place we are so americanized that we are literally lost and have no idea of what to do. Nor who we are. Can you please give me guidance as to how to get started if I could id leave here in a second and come home. Its like we cant truly breathe here something is… Read more »
It is time for the people of African descent to research and study more about their ancient past to understand the future. Knowing the truth is always the key of discovering everything about whom and what we are, where we have come from and will prepare us to know where we will be going.
Shalom Brethrens, Yahwah be praise all the time. I just want to make a request to my brother of israel who have been show the truth of Yahwah. As you know that the truth is opened to few people, may you have sometimes and try bto visit all the countries in Africa continent and meet those who are thirsty to know the truth. I believe that people somewhere whom are in need of the truth but no one has reached them, therefore may Yahwah open ways for you (through Ben AMMI) to reach this thirsty people whenever they are. I… Read more »
Praise YAH, Its such a blessing to see our people coming out of this blindness that we have been under for so long. And now that we know who we are,its time to show our love for one another by doing what the WORD OF YAH tell us in our history book.[The Bible]. Praise Yah for allowing Hebrew Spiritual Leaders to stay focused and getting his word out here.Thank You for your story Elder Priest Ben Ammi Israel and most I Thankt YAH THE MOST HIGH for for you. Shalom
Shalom Family we desire information on how to return to our homeland!
I have known from a child that we are the chosen people of God. Deut. 68 speaks of us as a people. I have chosen to live according to Hos holy ways and seek to continue. There are some of us still within the belly of the beast and look with expectation of the great Exodus……
Yah centered TRUTH has invaded my mind and now shall I dedicate my time to the uplifting of fallen humanity.
All praise to Yah Ysrayl and the KIngdom of YAH
Yah Khai! The Kingdom of Yah has come upon this earth. Now all man can journey up to New Jerusalem and be taught the Way, the Truth and Life of Yah Yacov! We are so thankful to be a part of Greatness!
Spread the Love of Yah on all four corners of the earth!
Peace and Blessings!
Yea shalom to all peace and safety from the commandante of the 144 division I love my people
I was blessed to visit Dimona and the Kingdom of Yah in 2004. What a wonderful experience. I hope toreturn with my grandaughter soon
Peace be unto you, Recently I have found a blessing that you may find beneficial as well. My wife and I have been taking a particular herbal supplement that is based on the 2009 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, and it has been reversing many of our health and age related issues. Please tell me what you think about this short news clip. This would more than likely bless someone that you know. Channel 6 News of scientific medical breakthrough. Dr. sharing “product B” with over 400 patients and seeing results: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKGFtOVmRz4&feature=youtu.be 5 minute recorded overview: 800-871-3554 Product B… Read more »
SHALOM ABBA..AND EVERY ONE IN THIS COLUM..I AM THANKFUL FOR THIS INFORMATION AND THE TRUTH REVEALED TO THOSE WHO EYES TO READ AND THOSE WHO HAVE GOOD EARS TO HEAR THE TRUTH SPOKEN.
A WISE MAN ALWAYS FOLLOW THE GOOD SHERPERD
Tenayestilg to all of fellow children of zion,i find peace in your comforting word,email me for more spiritual knowledge
Blessings
Shalom, May the blessing of YAH continue to be with you all. I am living in Ft. Lauderdale, Fl and many days pray for someone of the Hebrew community to began a community here or somewhere close to travel and continue to embrace the love and knowledge which is so evident in Yisrael. I am so pleased that I can say to someone here in North America that I know brothers, and sisters born in Yisrael. His Excellency Ben Ammi has bless us over and above my dreams. Even from my youth I have thought of Yisrael as my begining.… Read more »
Thanks for writing About Us
Woah this weblog is fantastic i love studying your articles. Keep up the great work! You recognize, many individuals are looking around for this info, you can help them greatly.
MY EYES [MIND] ARE OPEN
My dear brother, I’m so glad that at last the true light is shining on this earth. I’m also South African who has been seeking the truth from an early age. I have found that truth and very much love to share it with my fellow men. There’s a few jurisdictions of the Kingdom of Yah here in South Eden (South Africa) and we often meet for classes and observing the Holy Days as prescribed in the Scriptures. We have jurisdictions in Gauteng, the Vaal, KZN, Eastern Cape, Northen Cape and the Western Cape. Feel free to contact me on… Read more »
Something draws me to you, after watching a few videos of the way you speak and how many African Hebrews or Black Israelites as so often reffered to on youtube… I must say I wish I knew about this way before hand. Because at some point I saw heard and asked questions why the modern church wasn’t washing feet as did Messiah long ago. The thing is I am not as strong a scholar as obviously most of you are, and I wish that more Afro people witnessed and gained victories. I myself am a young man with little knowledge… Read more »
Shalom,I’m very greatful and proud to hear such powerful knowledge being expounded to my brothers and sisters.As always I’m excited and eager to hear what the abba has to say.although I’m reading his words from a page his wisdom speaks deep in my soul.Thanks for the knowledge,wisdom,and understanding of who I truly am. And I take pride in telling others whom they are.some say they are from Africa,but do they really know why and how?That’s where the teachings of the father comes in and over takes their mind like a flood.Truth takes religion and strips him with bible and then… Read more »
shalom – greetings with peace,
I like eco living I like selfsustainability – i like the torah
i love our heavenly father – creator the friend of Abraham YaHUaH ,
i will be glad also to be friend with you
greetings to all there
Yahn
( i live in Danmark- i dont like the winter weather here )
WHAT YOUR COMM-UNITY HAS ACCOMPLISHED UNDER SPIRITUAL LEADER BEN AMMI ISRAEL UNDER DIVINE GUIDANCE OF THE MOST HIGH IS TRULY INSPIRATIONAL! CONTINUE TO BE THAT BEACON LIGHT TO TRUE PEACE MAN WILL SOON LEARN GOD’S WAY IS THE ONLY WAY!!!
I am a South African , who have just found out about African Hebrew from a television program. The first time I hear about this, and I was moved. I would like to learn more about this subject.
i am just finding out about the hebrew israelites, i would like to know more,but believe that we, the african americans are decendents. i will continue to search the scriptures to find out more. please e-mail me to let me know more, thanks blessings.
I was enlightened regarding the African Hebrew Israelites in Dimona Israel approximately 15+ years ago by the father of my two sons. I am very interested in re-connecting with my history; & uniting with the African Hebrew Israelites of Jerusalem. I do desire to live in the land amongst my people; however, I have no clarity as to how to go about making the connection at this time. I desire to pursue healing for my autistic son and to be of service; do meaningful work in the community there in Jerusalem. Please advise; there are no nation communities where I… Read more »
Rov Todot le Yah kadosh Ysrael veh avi Ben Ammi haMashiahk. Yahkhai lekol kasideem.
I just wanted to thank Ben Ammi for revealing the truth to me in regards to my African Hebrew Israelite heritage. I was born and raised in the United Kingdom from a Jamaican background. Jamaicans emigrated to England in the 50s and 60s to escape the poverty that equated conditions during slavery. For the next 50 years we experienced institutional racism and discrimination from the British public and in the last 25 years we have seen our communities self-destruct, crack cocaine, gun crime, family breakdown, incarceration and mental illness just to name a few.. “sound familiar!. About 15 years ago… Read more »
Let all thanks and praises be unto all gloryand praises are His and His alone! unto His Servant Ben Ammi we are forever thankful unto Yah re-Establishment of the Adamic civiization! Yah Khai! Ben Ammi Khai! Kingdom of Yahwah Khai!!! i say this as a key witness.
I know Yahweh is God and I do believe in my heart that African Americans are the chosen people God. I do believe that we are the race of people in a strange land for 400 years. America. I do believe in my heart that we are the true Hebrew Israelites. I believe in my heart that we are the children of Israel. I believe Abraham, Issac, and Jacob are my forefathers that the old testament bible talks about. I be glad when the truth finally comes to pass about the truth of the children of Israel. May Yahweh bring… Read more »
First, i want to bless the holy God, Yahuwah for this day. I believe in the re-establishment of the “Kingdom of Yah”. God bless Abba Ben Ammi and all African Hebrew Israelites throuth the world.
I think you for this great information ,I am a ture believer in God and , will luv to live it peacefully until the becoming of god.I believe in that there isn’t suspose to be any religion.I still love and trust in God anyway.
I’m willing to dedicate my life, my labors, my resources and talents to the reestablishment of the long awaited “Kingdom of God” on this planet. to God be the Glory, I thank God for this information.