Black Hebrews In Dimona

"A phenomenon in the land of phenomena", as someone cleverly put it, referring to the community of the Black Hebrews in Israel.

The Black Hebrews, black americans originally from Chicago, believe they're the descendants of an ancient israelite tribe. They moved to Israel in 1968 (some 50 years ago) with a pitstop of over two years in Liberia, and settled  in the  desert city of Dimona.(some of them live in the cities of Jerusalem, Mizpe Ramon, Arad ).The spiritual, charismatic founder and leader of this movement, Ben Ammi Carter, died several years ago.

the Dimona neighborhood

We were rather late and tired when we reached the neighborhood of the Black Hebrews in  Dimona. However, curiosity kept us alert and well on our feet.

conference hall

We were greeted by two members of the community : a young woman, named Naghila, and an elderly, tall man - both dressed in orange- colored outfits. They split us into two groups and showed us around, after an introductory briefing, and a questions - answers exchange in the 'conference hall.'

Nagila, the hostess , in an orange dress

male  host in orange- colored outfit under coat

What immediately catches the eye in this neighborhood ,is the emphasis on bright, live coloured outfits (orange, red, white, yellow, blue, pink), and the storage sheds attached to the small houses.

In addition to the orange colour (in the above photos), we saw kids playing soccer dressed in red , some other kids clothed in blue and white; the two kids in the header wore pink outfits. I rather liked that colorful display of garments. It created an optimistic atmosphere.

kids playing soccer in red clothes

blue cap /pants for the boy, white bandana; red outfit for the girl

Small, tightly spaced single story houses and  an average of five children per family, naturally  create crowded conditions.  So, the storage sheds seem to be a Must here, and an integral part of the landscape.

house + storage shed (white fence)

storage sheds,  paved passage

more storage sheds

It should be mentioned in connection to the crowded conditions, that the Black Hebrews permit polygamy and forbid birth control. (It is believed that the practice of polygamy has stopped, after a certain agreement reached with the government of Israel).

nice house front !

standard  with  gas containers, tiny garden, shed, laundry on wire

The Black Hebrews maintain a strict vegan way of life, growing much of their food, and  wearing clothes made only of natural fabrics (cotton, wool, silk). We've seen a vegan restaurant, a small vegan grocery store, a vegan ice-cream shop, and some gardens with organic growths. 

organic little garden

tables at the vegan restaurant

grocery store

ice-cream display case

As part of their belief in a healthy life style, the members of the community also practice exercising, and keep away from pharmaceutical  or illegal drugs and alcohol. (I've noticed a facility called 'health sanctuary').

The Black Hebrews appear to be active and creative. They are engaged in crafts, and the women have a sewing studio offering sewing services to the community members. 
Among other things, they have established a gospel choir which is well known both in Israel and in the USA.

sewing studio

Although they don't see themselves as belonging to any particular religion , they do observe major religious traditions and customs that are biblical (Sabbath, Yom Kippur, Passover...), and express their intent to live according to the laws and prophecies of God.

I remember reading in some article that the late Ben Ammi Carter stated in an interview that there will never be peace  in the world by way of.politicians. How true!.

It was a short visit but quite enlightening.