The Black Hebrews believe that they are descended from the Israelites who were expelled from Jerusalem in A.D. 70 and thereafter migrated for more than 1,000 years before reaching West Africa and later the United States as slaves. But for the 2,000-strong vegetarian and polygamous community of Black Hebrews living in the community is the fulfillment of a scriptural promise to create what they call the “Kingdom of Yah” or God on earth.

The Village of Peace

Since 30 disciples followed him to Israel in 1969, the community has established and grown from only 109 original leaders. Weary of ghetto life in the United States, they followed the charismatic leader to Dimona in the Negev, the desert region of southern Israel, establishing a community and forging a new identity. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

The Village of Peace Article by Rafael and Claire Ben-Ari is available to accompany any collection of photos from the image gallery. Please contact us to review it : Web:http://www.israelnews.chameleonseye.com assignment@chameleonseye.com

Issaca in his home surrounded by photos of his leader Ben Ammi Ben Israel and great black African leaders in the Black Hebrew community

Elderly members of the Black Hebrew community eat a strict vegan meal without liquids

The local grocery store in the village of peace

Headcovers hanging to dry on a clothes line

A clothes and material shop in the Villiage of Peace where they make all their own clothes

Children from the Achva school for Black Hebrews