Evidence: 2 (Identity claim without genealogical evidence)
| Claim | Detail |
|---|---|
| Core belief | African Americans are the true descendants of the biblical Israelites. European Jews are imposters |
| Origin | Late 19th century; Frank Cherry (Church of the Living God, 1886), William Crowdy (Church of God and Saints of Christ, 1896) |
| Spectrum | Ranges from peaceful religious communities to extremist hate groups (designated by ADL/SPLC) |
| Biblical basis | Deuteronomy 28:68 (“The Lord will send you back in ships to Egypt” = the slave trade). Curses of disobedience match the African American experience |
| Historical evidence | No genetic, archaeological, or documentary evidence connects African Americans specifically to the twelve tribes of Israel. However, there WERE historic Jewish communities in Africa (Beta Israel / Ethiopian Jews, Lemba people) |
| Relation to Judaism | Mainstream Judaism does not recognize BHI claims. Some BHI groups are antisemitic; others seek dialogue |