Are Radical Hebrew Israelites the Real Jews?

Radical Hebrew Israelites are a group notorious for their hateful and antisemitic views.

Hebrew Israelism originated as a theology during the transatlantic slave trade, when enslaved Africans developed an identification with the biblical story of the Jews enslaved in Egypt. 

While many Hebrew Israelite communities observe their beliefs peacefully, some radicals, like Frank S. Cherry, have worked hard to spread dangerous rhetoric and controversial beliefs to create a hateful narrative against Jewish people. 

As these antisemitic views have spread, so has a rift between two communities that should have a strong bond over shared histories, but are instead divided and afraid.

Big Ideas

1. There are a variety of Hebrew Israelites communities, but only the minority group of Radical Hebrew Israelites, hold dangerous, antisemitic beliefs.
2. Jews and Hebrew Israelites can coexist peacefully, especially by focusing on what unites them.
3. Hate drives division and can result in loss of life, while kindness and understanding promote peace and friendship.

Essential Questions

1. How did slavery and racism in America affect the Radical Hebrew Israelite ideology?
2. How can we combat hate and antisemitism?
3. How might Jews and Hebrew Israelites work together to foster unity and build bridges between their communities?