We regretfully announce that Ben Ammi Ben Israel, the Anointed Spiritual Leader of the African Hebrew Israelites, passed away on 27.12.2014 at the age of 75.
It was Ben Ammi’s vision in 1966 that led to the exodus of nearly 400 souls the following year to Liberia, West Africa, where we would spend a two-and-one-half year “wilderness” period – shedding the many detrimental habits that as an enslaved people, we had acquired. In 1969, we would continue our sojourn, making aliyah to Israel, where we would arrive to a short-lived welcome. For over two decades, we endured the lack of status, work permits, access to schooling, health care and the like and even the belligerency of various personalities and institutions which would severely test our resolve. Moves toward a reconciliation in 1990 have led to our current place as a permanent fixture in Israeli landscape, and from that time we made great strides in education, organic agriculture, vegan food production and more.
Ben Ammi’s immense love for the Land of Israel remained constant throughout his life – from his initial awakening to his Hebraic roots, through the controversial and sometimes contentious early days in Israel and subsequently the reconciliation which led to the current unity of purpose which we now enjoy. “The insight, commitment, patience and compassion he demonstrated was instrumental in leading us to forge a social model for humanity in which Yah might be pleased,” said Prince Immanuel Ben Yehuda, a member of the Holy Council.
Ben Ammi’s profound intellect and leadership, expressed over the years in his writings and public speaking around the world, inspired the growth of the community. Today community members reside in several cities across Israel, with branches throughout the U.S., the Caribbean, Africa (including Ghana, Kenya and South Africa), and the U.K. In addition, countless adherents to the lifestyle and philosophies of the community – who may not be on the roster as members – seek advice and direction from our community’s institutions through social media.
Under Ben Ammi’s leadership, the Hebrew Israelites have become renowned for their vibrant culture and boundless creativity. The holistic lifestyle of the community, coupled with high moral standards, was forged in keeping with our aim to fulfill the prophetic mandate of the Israelites to be “a light unto the nations”. Indeed, many of the ideas and standards which Ben Ammi introduced to the community and were thought to be unusual at the time – including veganism, weekly fasting and the limiting of salt and sugar consumption – are now recognized as genius and have been implemented globally.
The community he founded has gained such popularity that an average of 500 visitors come to tour weekly the Village of Peace in Dimona, including political leaders from Israel, the U.S. and Africa. Other notables and celebrities drawn to Dimona include entertainers like Stevie Wonder, Kim Weston, the Neville Brothers, Ray Charles, Barry White and of course, Whitney Houston, who adopted Ben Ammi as her spiritual father.
In 1994, the US Congress Human Rights Caucus proclaimed the Dimona community “The Miracle in the Desert” for its innovative and forward thinking structure and environment. In a 1994 feature article published in Teva Hadvareem, the community was feted as “An Island of Sanity,” The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2006 termed the accomplishments of the community a “phenomenon in a land full of phenomena”. Ben Ammi guided the Hebrew Israelites through this most difficult period with untold perseverance and determination, resulting in the community earning permanent residency in 2003, with the granting of citizenship in a process that continues today. He was able to transcend the often contentious political and religious boundaries of Israeli that often confound the local scene by forging relationships based on integrity. In 2006, the community officially registered as an urban kibbutz, taking the name, “Guardians of Peace” (Shomrey HaShalom).
Representatives of the community can be found throughout the world serving in projects which Ben Ammi called “redemptive enterprises” – activities specifically designed to enhance the quality of life and living for any participants. These accomplishments made Ben Ammi the father of the “Dimona Model,” a systematic approach to healthy living that was implemented in conjunction with the Ministry of Health in Ghana, West Africa, in the Regenerative Health and Nutrition Project.
Immediate family members – along with all of the faithful near and far – express their heartfelt thanks and appreciation for the outpouring of concern, prayers and thoughts during this time. “While obviously deeply saddened at the loss of our Holy Father’s physical presence,” said Ahmadiel Ben Yehuda, a spokesman, “we are nevertheless emboldened in knowing that his spirit truly lives in each and every one of us. We are also cognizant of the fact that – with tens of thousands of people near and far who drew inspiration from his words, message and example – we are greatly blessed in having had the opportunity to serve with him over the five decades of his selfless leadership. As such, we are as focused and determined as ever to continue to fulfill, maintain and further his vision for all humanity and the Creation. His example and focused commitment to Yah and His people will be an eternal flame in our hearts and a guiding light on our path.”
For more information contact: Yafah Baht Gavriel at 972 (0)523 910 858.
Thank you
34 comments
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Yaphiah Baht Yisrael
December 28, 2014 at 11:54 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
I never met Ben Ami but the works that he has done in Israel are great. May the ALMIGHTY bless his soul and his family!
Pineneet
December 28, 2014 at 1:40 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
I am very sadden to hear of Abba Gadol transition! He changed my life which has made me into the person I am today. I will be forever greatful for all the knowledge he has bestowed on me and for opening my eyes to truth! You will be deeply missed across the world! I have seen him in the states and I have visited Dimona and enjoyed his presence. I am honored to have met you and witness your spiritual strenght! Todah YAH for bringing him into my life! I Love You Abba Gadol!
Genahtiyah E. Ahmeekhai
December 28, 2014 at 4:04 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Words cannot express the sadness that is upon me at this time. I was blessed to have been in Abba Gadol’s presence many times. I thank Yah for that alone. I’ve always known who he was, I could feel it in my soul. again, I thank Yah for sending him. He came and did what he was suppose to do. I know he saved my dry bones, and woke me up. He will continue to live in me. May Yah continue to Bless and keep this Kingdom.
Reuven
December 28, 2014 at 11:05 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
I am Ben Ammi, he lives forever in me and the Saints of Yah Yahwah
Ak Shamariel
December 29, 2014 at 8:13 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
I will continue his work were ever im at and once im financially able I’ll come back home to serve and help continue the building of the Kingdom of God! Rabi has transformed but he is the foreverlasting Life that he wrote about! He is the High and Holy one thats been here at least twice before. Long Lives The King!!!
Imanuel Mezoh Ben Yehudah
December 29, 2014 at 1:08 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
From Liberia, we heard this saddened news yesterday. The brothers here are all disturbed and in a total shock. We love you Abba and forever will we keep the torch of TRUTH burning. Your spirit will always be in our midst. Your legacy of truth and redemption for your people, us, will live on. Yahkhai, KOY khai, Ben Ammi… khai
Elielah Ackun
December 29, 2014 at 3:21 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Tears can’t stop flowing my heart is burning is hard to believe. Abbah Ben Ammi is truly a Yah man words can’t say it all.
Kingsley
December 29, 2014 at 3:27 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Am sadden to read the passing away to eternal glory of the great leader of the family, i have never heard about the AFRICAN HEBREW ISRAELITE. Honestly i will like to a member of the family, Am a Nigerian national living in India, how can i hook up with the family here in Asia??
i really need guide to how to do this
write to my email kingsleyind@yahoo.com
Lunga Young ABba Lutweyi
December 29, 2014 at 3:52 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
I haven’t yet met ABba but I have met him spiritualy,my condolonces to the family,the nation of hebrew israelites its a huge loss to me coz this month only I lost 5 people one of them is my younger brother,two weeks later I was involve in car accident now I’m hearing this news just when I thot my wound is healing it just got even worce.may ABba’s Soul Rest in Peace I have no words left to express my pain.
Dehahtiyah Eshet Yosafe
December 29, 2014 at 5:58 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Yosafe and I are deeply saddened to have heard the news of our Holy Fathers Transition. We loved HIM immensely and how we longed to return to the Holy Land to see his presence once more. We now live with all of the teachings that he has given us. He will never be forgotten!! Our condolences to his immediate Family and All of our Hebrew Family and Friends.
YAHshsrhla
December 29, 2014 at 7:01 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Thank YAH for Ben Ammi. he did what many man tried and failed to do, he got people to go home and stayed home,with the blessings from YAH and help from many people in the Hebrew community he made the village of peace. lots of men wished they had that power to lift up our people but they fall short. HE Ben Ammi succeed where others failed. I thank YAH for him his works and the community he led will always be with me. halleluYAH
Zephaniah M. Ben-Elohim
December 29, 2014 at 9:57 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
May the Creator Bless the Family of the Abba Ha Gadol. His wisdom will truly be missed, I’ve not had the opportunity to meet him. But I’ve read and studied all of his works. Halleluyah Ma Shalom Ka.
ahk mokeer ben meir
December 30, 2014 at 6:03 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
we all know that Yah is now giving us that task we have not lost Abbah at all instead we have gained him more then we did Abbah Ben Ammi was with us but now he has multiplie to be us
we should show and lift what he has given us. No assumptions Abbah left us the blue print and how we should view thing
I thank Yah for such a Father
ben ammi khai
SITHELELOBESE
December 30, 2014 at 1:42 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
thanks to Yah yisrael for giving us an eternal presence of the holly spirit through Ben Ammi s works abba Ben Ammi in spirit in truth and in righteousness lives in me thank you Abba Gadol ivikhai.
ESTHER HARRIOTT
December 30, 2014 at 3:43 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
SHALUM, to you my family. It is with pain yet joy that I read your mail this morning. I have come to love Ben Ammi Ben Israel. I am joyful because he is no longer here to experience the hate thrown at him from those who know not the FATHER. I am experiencing pain because I won’t hear him speak telling us about the holy days and our responsibility before and during each feast day.. He is now sleeping after his work. I pray and hope we will not fail as we await YAH’S return, when all true Yisrael will be liberated. until then I love You all.
Esther
Yahorahm ben Sar Malahk
December 31, 2014 at 5:58 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Yah khai!!! Ben Ammi khai!!! Malchoot Yah khai!!!
Or-neet Baht Atur Ariel
December 31, 2014 at 5:12 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
We LOVE you Abbah! YOUR FLAME IS ETERNAL!!!!!!
#IAMBENAMMI
Yiore Ben Shaul Ha Cohane
December 31, 2014 at 5:28 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
To Yah be the glory the former of all things, he knew you from your mothers womb, he anointed you with the vision of eternity for eternal glory, We saw you in South Ward Eden even before we behold your countenance, we hear your vision, mission even at our tender age, and we signed for it till eternity. You are a living Spirit to us more that flesh. Your Spirit will ever be in our midst and forever indebted to you. Your words and actions will never be in vain. Rest assured that the enemy will never write the last chapter of the most afflicted and your redeem. You are God in Spirit and words, we shall continue to call upon you. We your son’s and daughters shall never forget neither disappoint your endeavors. To you be the glory, “son of my people”. We shall continue to declare to the whole world that thou art a living spirit.
Yahyl Ben Yisrael
January 1, 2015 at 4:21 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Abba, Todah for being the example of YAH in the midst of His people. It was your words that I found and I did eat and it was the actions of your works that I seeked that showed me how Abba YAHWAH wants me to be…Once again thank you for showing me that YAH KHAI within me
Yahadah Ben Notayah
January 1, 2015 at 6:49 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Ben Ammi was the comforter,prophesieded by Yeshua of Nazareth,that was sent to guide the human family into all truth and bring all things back to our remembrance,and to establish the Kingdom of Yah (heaven)on earth,reopen the book of life that was sealed,return the children of Yisrael back to the holy land and to resurrect the adamic civilization and leading mankind to the age of the ascension realm
mama wasima
January 2, 2015 at 2:35 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Blessed Love, Saints of YAH!
My Heart still hurts to hear of His passing. A Great man of YAH. Praying for the Community.
~ mama wasima
Ahk Yoel
January 2, 2015 at 8:40 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
To Yah be the glory. The Kingdom of Yah is. Abba, TODAH RABAH!. When I met Abba, I just started to consume the bread of Yah that he fed me with. I was not able, capable nor fully aware how much I needed to thank him. I have since consumed much of the bread that he fed us with and life is being returned unto me. I say to the nation(s). TODA RABAH! Ben Ammi. I am bone of your bone!
Opoku Daniel
January 3, 2015 at 10:14 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
I heard of Ben Ammin demise few hours ago. May Yah preserve hjs soul. May his ideology draws me nearer to Yah.
Mahskelah Baht Israel and Hadariel Copeland
January 4, 2015 at 5:46 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
It is very difficult to accept this news! Some things you can’t prepare for. Knowing Abbah Gadol has and will always be my greatest spiritual experience. His teachings and life lived by example, continue to sustain our lives. I continue to be blessed by having known him personally and experienceing his awesome spirit for many years in the village of peace in Dimona. For this and much more, I am eternally greatful! Although it is painful to digest this news of his passing, I have comfort in knowing that YAH,the creator of all things, makes no mistakes! So ride the winds of YAH, Ben Ami, for your new mission has begun. To the immediate family, saints and friends both near and far, I send my dearest condolences and I pray that YAH will bring you peace. Let the life and legacy of Ben Ami be remembered as a YAH inspired light among men and to all nations for all time. Selah!
Natanyah Baht Israel
January 4, 2015 at 4:55 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
I would like to give honor and thanks to a man that accomplished the unbelievable. Having been guided by the Most High, he truly did his will by bringing our people back to the holy land. He completed his mission Yah. And I’m sure I speak for many that understand history, this was inevitable. We must continue to exemplify being a strong, humble, and mostly unified people (near and far) that desires to uplift , and be an example unto the world. Thank you again for your courage.
kitsiyah
January 4, 2015 at 8:43 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Awesome Tribute!!!!!
Chief Bill Williams
January 4, 2015 at 11:48 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Many prayers go to Kingdoom of Yay . The spirit of Abba Todah lives on in many harts,through out the world .
It was a pure blessing to meet Abba in middle of his Kingdoom.
His direction of thoughts for betterment of all members of the community is truly a blessing for the community. His leadership have become full realization to the proper benefit of the whole community.
My prayers are with the people who remain on this earth. May you travel with good benefits of prayer.
Chief Bill Williams
Amtzah
January 5, 2015 at 12:12 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
In complete shock and disbelief I feel blessed and grateful to have been enlightened by the truth from Abba. He was truly a humble being and to have been in presence was an awesome experience for me. Even though I am no longer part of the community I still follow some of the way of life taught by him and it is always my intention to visit the community one day in Dimona. My condolence to all his family and the community. Shalom
Ben Shaul Ben Israel Malapane
January 6, 2015 at 8:42 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
I think The tribute was great and uplifting. Now it’s time to get to work. Love my people. Shalom shalom.
Nadir Ben Eliyah
January 6, 2015 at 10:48 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Here I express the pain the entire DR Congo Hebrew Israelites Community feel by hearing about Abba transition.He will live forever in each of us,and this must inpire us to unite in the fulfillment of Abba Ben Ammi vision..To be the living light,the Nation of sons and daughters of Yah.Todah rabah Abba for your devotion,for saving us.
Zwahy'yah
January 10, 2015 at 12:23 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Tribute is absolutely astonishing!!!!
Zandra Marsalis
January 10, 2015 at 4:48 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Thank you, Wise elder Ben Ammi Ben Israel for all you endured and accomplished for our people all over the World. Your teachings will continue to inspire us for many generations to come. RIP man of YAH.
Aviel Ben Eliazer
January 10, 2015 at 2:14 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
I am so greatful to the most high that i was able to see his great and mighty works in deed be in his presence since 19th nov 73 I send my prayers to his emediate family at their great loss . Ben Ammi will be greatly missed but his works and deeds live forever you Abah are like a great tree in the desert of this world yet giving the shade of the light of truth justice mercy and love you will always be with my mind and the minds of my family.Yah KYE
shimshon elamahd ben yisrael
February 8, 2015 at 9:56 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Yahkhai ben ammi khai malkoote khai li olam va ehd selah nihalailyah halleluyah!!!