Are the Igbo People of Nigeria Really Jewish? | Unpacked

In southeast Nigeria, many Igbo people keep kosher, pray in synagogues, and celebrate Jewish holidays. Known for their advanced metalwork and democratic traditions, as well as ancient Israelite customs including circumcision and scapegoat rituals, the Igbo have blended ancient African and Jewish traditions for centuries, sparking debates on their true identity.

When British colonialism introduced antisemitism into Africa, leading to the persecution of the Igbo people and the brief secession of the Republic of Biafra, the question of to what extent they should be accepted as part of the Jewish people became all the more pertinent.

Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:41 Igbo Rituals
01:24 Similarities to Judaism
02:07 Connection to 10 Lost Tribes
03:21 Ancient Israelite Connection
04:03 Diversity in the Igbo Community
04:59 Anti-Igbo Antisemitism
07:03 Igbo Persecution After Independence
07:49 1967 Biafra Secession
08:23 The Biafran Genocide (Biafran Civil War)
08:57 Jewish Advocacy for Igbo
09:52 Igbo Hebrew Identity
11:28 The Struggle for Jewish Recognition
13:23 Igbo-Jewish Connection

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Image and footage credits:
Koinonia Global
Clare Nze
Lisinsky
MacJessio
Iwuala chisom
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Executive Producer:
— Barry Skolnick
Co-Executive Producer:
— Shmuel Katz
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Translation credits:
Portuguese: Saymon Pires, www.livrariasafra.com.br, @safralivraria

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