Igbo Jews

Igbo Jews
ndi Igbo Juu

Igbo Jewish Community presented with a plaque by Black Hebrew Israelite Howshua Amariel.
Total population
30,000+ practicing Judaism[1]
Regions with significant populations
 Nigeria
Languages
Igbo; Hebrew as a liturgical language
Religion
Igbo form of Judaism
Related ethnic groups
Igbo
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Igbo Jews are members of the Igbo people of Nigeria who practice Judaism. It is a tenet of their beliefs that they have ties to one of the lost tribes of Israel, the tribe of Gad.

Jews have been documented in parts of Nigeria since the precolonial period, but it is not known for the Igbo to have claimed Israelite descent or practiced Judaism in precolonial times.[2][3][4][5][6] Significant Igbo identification with Jews concretized during and after the Biafran War (1967–1970).[7]

No formal census has been taken in the region and the precise number of Igbo in Nigeria who practice Judaism is not known. An estimated 30,000 Igbos, having at least 26 synagogues of various sizes, were said to be practicing some form of Judaism in 2008.[8] In 2021 there were said to be approximately 12,000-15,000 mainstream Igbo Jews in Nigeria, comprising some 70 active communities.[9] A more conservative figure of at least 2,000-3,000 Igbo practicing Judaism,[10] and at most 5,000,[11] has also been given.

  1. ^ "Nigerian Igbo Jewish leader arrested with Israeli visitors freed". BBC News. 2021-08-09. Retrieved 2023-08-20.
  2. ^ Chuku, Gloria (2018). "Igbo historiography: Parts I, II, and III" (PDF). History Compass. 16 (10): 7–14. doi:10.1111/hic3.12489. hdl:11603/11290. S2CID 149489328. Retrieved 15 August 2018.
  3. ^ Ezedu, F. (2013). "Science Education and Challenges of Globalization in Igbo Nation" (PDF). Us-China Education Review. B, Education Theory. David Publishing, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria: 118. ISSN 2161-6248. Retrieved 30 September 2020.
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference :2 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ Afigbo, Afigbo (1981). Ropes of Sand Studies in Igbo History and Culture University PressAfrica World Press.
  6. ^ Lis, Daniel (2015). Identity among the Igbo of Nigeria. Africa World Press.
  7. ^ Afsai, Shai (2016). "Nigeria's Igbo Jews: Jewish identity and practice in Abuja". Anthropology Today. 32 (2): 14–17, back cover. doi:10.1111/1467-8322.12239.
  8. ^ Bruder, Edith (2008). The Black Jews of Africa: History, Religion, Identity. Oxford University Press. p. 143. ISBN 978-0195333565.
  9. ^ "Nigerian Igbo Jewish leader arrested with Israeli visitors freed". BBC News. 2021-08-09. Retrieved 2023-08-20.
  10. ^ Afsai, Shai, "R.I. visit builds bridge with Nigeria's Igbo Jews", The Providence Journal, 15 December 2013.
  11. ^ Afsai, Shai (2016). "Nigeria's Igbo Jews: Jewish identity and practice in Abuja". Anthropology Today. 32 (2): 14–17, back cover. doi:10.1111/1467-8322.12239.