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Black Hebrew gets Israeli citizenship

February 3, 2009

JERUSALEM (JTA) -- A Black Hebrew received Israeli citizenship for the first time.

Elyakim Ben-Israel, 62, received a summons in the mail from Israel's Interior Ministry Monday inviting him to pledge his allegiance to the state, Ynet reported.

The first Black Hebrews, who claim to be descendants of the Tribe of Judah, arrived in Israel from the United States and Liberia nearly 40 years ago. 

Ynet reported Monday that the Interior Ministry said more members of the Black Hebrew community will receive citizenship approval letters.

 

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