The Untold Story of the African Diaspora

[Ahneeahm]

THE BLOSSOM IN THE DESERT REVEALED
The Untold Story of the African Diaspora

By Hitzhireala Baht Israel

In 1967 – empowered by the knowledge of their ancestors, the Biblical tribe of Judah and inspired by their spiritual leader Ben Ammi Ben Israel – four hundred African-Americans made a courageous exodus from America . They settled in rural Liberia , West Africa to purge themselves of the negative psycho-social conditions acquired in the captivity. Then 2 1/2 years later, they made the last of their journey home, returning to Israel in 1969. Once in Israel , they stripped themselves of their given identity, African-American, and reclaimed their lost identity as Hebrew Israelites. They then established what leaders in the Diaspora have been advocating for four hundred years – a free and redemptive nation of self governance. The community in Dimona, Israel is renowned for its innovative approaches to education, diet, healthcare, music, family, and race relations; and its unique spiritual development.

Today, 40 years later, the Hebrew Israelites are a remarkable testament to the richness of African History and the fulfillment of the Diaspora’s hope for a place where Africans can live healthy and progressive lives. Their community, known as the Village of Peace , is the largest organized settlement of African-Americans outside of America , and quickly developing into kibbutz Shomrei Hashalom (Guardians of Peace), one of the largest urban kibbutzim in Israel . They maintain Redemptive Sustainability through many institutions, including a soy foods product factory, a worldwide chain of vegan restaurants and a cultural clothing line made from natural fibers.

The Hebrew Israelites also lead in regenerative, earth-friendly efforts and preventative health care. Their health practices, which include a vegan diet (eating no meat, eggs, dairy products or foods with additives), exercise, and regular full-body massages, have been the focus of international attention. U.S. Medical researchers studying the community found that conditions usually common in African-American populations, such as hypertension, obesity and high cholesterol, were much lower than average (VegNews Feb 2008). The environmental benefits of their dietary standards were confirmed by the 2006 University of Chicago study, which states that the food people eat is just as important as what kind of cars they drive when it comes to creating the greenhouse-gas emissions linked to global warming. As Animal Rights Activist Paul McCartney puts it, “If anyone wants to save the planet, all they have to do is just stop eating meat… Vegetarianism takes care of so many things in one shot: ecology, famine, cruelty."

This remarkable community also joined hands with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), the civil rights organization established by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., to establish the Dr. Martin Luther King/SCLC – Ben Ammi Institute for a New Humanity. In memory of King’s peaceful fight for human rights, the conflict resolution center teaches holistic non-violence and reconciliation to families, communities, faiths and nations.

Today the Hebrew Israelites celebrate the first approval for Israelis citizenship in their community and the promise for more citizenship approvals to come, a victory that will further solidify their presence in the holy land. With so many accomplishments, it’s no wonder why they have been coined as the Blossom in the Desert (Dimona, is in the desert of southern Israel ). Starting as small as a mustard seed, the Hebrew Israelites have blossomed into a beautiful nation and respected prototype for social-spiritual progress.

The Historical Connection

Prior to the excavation of the Suez Canal (1859-69), the entire Arabian Peninsula and what is 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. Later, after the invasion of the Romans in 70 C.E., remnants of the Hebrew Israelites were driven out of Jerusalem and for more than 1,000 years many of them migrated across the continent, eventually reaching West Africa . They were then carried to the Americas where they became victims of the most cruel and inhumane slavery in recorded history. However, according to the word of God, they would eventually be led back to their homeland (Israel) to fulfill their prophetic destiny.

The many biblical references of various interactions between the ancient Israelites and African peoples and places, further support the connection between African-Americans and the Holy Land (e.g. King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, migration to and enslavement in Egypt ). Thus, it is not hard to see that Hebrew Israelites were among the one hundred million taken from Africa during the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Not to mention, the remnants of their Hebraic heritage laced in the lyrics of slave songs or spirituals, such as “Canaan’s Land where my possessions lie...,” the adopted colloquial language and much more. They never stopped praising the God of Israel nor turned their eyes from Zion . (www.kingdomofyah.com).




The Annual Celebration

The annual celebration of their exodus to Israel will be held May 20-21, 2009 in Dimona, Israel , attracting government officials, musicians and visitors worldwide. Participants will experience the wonder of this phenomenal community, celebrating the movement of African-Americans to the Holy Land and partake in wholesome fun, food, culture and events.


A Sacred Visitation Tour will be hosted by Edenic Heritage Excursions and Travel and Educational Opportunities Tours. The tour will encompass the Dimona Celebration and will span from May 14-26, 2009. It will include visitation to the country’s many holy sites such as Jerusalem , The Mount of Olives, The Sea of Galilee, The Jordan River and a cruise on The Red Sea. One of the unique highlights of the tour will be exploring the African presence in the Holy land .

The tour is open to all who are interested; for more information about sacred visitation and the 2009 celebration please contact Leila Garard 1-800-247-0017 or email her @ lgarard@travelwithus.com. For information on the Hebrew Israelite community


The Hebrew Israelites

The African Hebrew Israelites of Jerusalem is a spiritual community of over 3,000 men, women and children living in southern Israel and thousands living in Africa, Europe, the Caribbean and the United States . They maintain a vibrant culture of communal living, a vegan diet, preventive health care and high moral standards – a holistic approach to life. Their goal is be the core of the establishment of God’s Kingdom on Earth as revealed in the Holy Bible.

For more information about the Hebrew Israelite community and their lifestyle visit www.kingdomofyah.com or call Dr. AviMelech Ben Israel at (773) 221-9778 or via email at sacredvisitation@gmail.com..

Journey To Jerusalem

[Khayah]

Their goal is be the core of the establishment of God’s Kingdom on Earth as revealed in the Holy Bible. Arise and shine for thy light has come ! let the whole world know that the kingdome of Yah is here! Yah khai