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African Hebrew Israelites

Ahbir Ben Israel, a priest in the African Hebrew Israelite community, has lived in Israel without status for more than 30 years. (Photo/Andrew Esensten)
Posted inAnalysis

‘I’m not just visiting’: More African Hebrew Israelites win fight against deportation, but larger struggle continues

Andrew Esensten by Andrew Esensten July 7, 2023December 3, 2023

For the past 30 years, Ahbir Ben Israel has led a precarious existence in Israel. He is at once a highly visible member of the African Hebrew Israelite community — […]

(From left) J. Digital Editor David A.M. Wilensky and J. Culture Editor Andrew Esensten at the wedding of Aminah Ha Rofah and
Micael Ben Shaleahk.
Posted inLocal Voice

Why we covered a Hebrew Israelite wedding

Andrew Esensten by Andrew Esensten December 21, 2021December 21, 2021
Paziyah Baht Israel (far left), a member of the African Hebrew Israelites' renowned New Jerusalem Fire Choir, is one of dozens of members of the community to receive surprise deportation notices from the Israeli government. (Photo/Andrew Esensten)
Posted inAnalysis

Israel’s new call to deport African Hebrew Israelites reopens old wounds

Andrew Esensten by Andrew Esensten April 28, 2021December 10, 2021

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