Although some new religious movements have novel origins, many grow out of existing religions. Some of these movements exist on the fringe of faiths that have been around for centuries. Over history, a few religious groups have emerged, claiming to be descendants of ancient Israelites, usually through Abraham, the shared patriarch of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Israelites descended from Abraham through his son Isaac, his grandson Jacob (later, Israel), and his great- and great-great-grandsons as the 12 tribes of Israel: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Dan, Naphthali, Gad, Asher, Ephraim, and Manasseh.
The history of Jews involves multiple events where they were exiled from their homeland, many of these documented in the Bible. Since Biblical times, various Jewish groups have moved to other parts of the world, forming a diaspora. Many people have claimed a connection to Jews due to a sense of kinship with them, but other groups claim to be direct descendants. Some of these groups have been around for over a century, while others have emerged mostly during the 20th century. Let’s take a look at some of these groups and how their claims of Israelite ancestry are viewed.
British Israelism
British Israelism is based on the belief that the people of the British Isles are the direct descendants of ten of the Israelite tribes that were exiled under Neo-Assyrian rule approximately 700 years BCE. Also known as Anglo-Israelism, this movement has roots in 16th- and 17th-century writings from European Protestants, as well as historical figures such as noted explorer Sir Francis Drake and King James. The British Israelite movement officially emerged in the late 1800s, founded by Edward Hine, Edward Wheler Bird, and Herbert Aldersmith.
There are various beliefs associated with this religious movement:
- Most Israelites are not Jews. The ten tribes that were exiled from Israel are the true Israelites. The tribes that remained (Judah, Benjamin, and parts of Levi) are the ancestors of today’s Jews, and therefore not Israelites.
- The lost tribes of Israel migrated to parts of Europe, ending in the British Isles.
- The British royal family members are direct descendants of King David.
- Jacob gave the tribes of Joseph’s sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, full status as a birthright. The United Kingdom and the United States are respectively the modern tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh.
British Israelites are not accepted as descendants by Jewish communities. The movement is largely criticized for lack of sufficient scholarship and research to back up its assertions. Another major criticism is that British Israelite beliefs helped to fuel colonialism, imperialism, and white supremacy, including the displacement of Indigenous peoples by American settlers. The movement is believed to have peaked in the 20th century, although pocket groups exist in parts of Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
Black Hebrew Israelites
Black Hebrew Israelites are African Americans who believe they are the direct descendants of the Israelites. Some believe that Native Americans and Latin Americans are also descendants. This syncretic religion exists outside of Judaism and mainstream Christianity, but it combines beliefs from both faiths. The movement was founded in the late 1800s by Frank Cherry and William Saunders Crowdy; both claimed to receive a vision from God of the true ancestry of Blacks in the Americas.
It is estimated that there are between 25,000 and 40,000 adherents in the United States. Black Hebrew Israelites draw criticism for revisionist history and lack of research and proof. Some fringe groups have also been noted as anti-Semitic and supremacist.
Whether it’s due to the prominence of Abrahamic religions or the dispersion of the Jewish diaspora, there will continue to be new religious movements claiming a connection to the Israelites. An affinity for Jewish communities and traditions doesn’t necessarily establish a historic connection to that ethnoreligious group. One should be watchful over ideas and claims that can foment bigotry and prejudice.