By Nnaoke Ufere, PhD
A lingering curiosity persists regarding why some Igbos lay claim to Jewish roots or, in a bizarre twist, suggest Jewish lineage originated from Igbo ancestry—a stance enthusiastically endorsed by some Igbos and has been notably advocated by Philip C. Njemanze, Patrick Lumumba and others to the acclaim of Igbo audiences.
It’s as if a faction within the Igbo community is seeking to augment their Nigerian identity with a stamp of Jewish ancestry approval, crafting it in the language of the Torah. These assertions seemed to gain momentum during the period of the Biafran-Nigerian War, which saw the Igbos drawing parallels with the historical struggles of the Jewish people.
Today, this notable preoccupation with Jewish lineage sparks debate. It appears a segment of the Igbo population finds their rich, indigenous heritage insufficient, hinting at a discomfort with their African roots and darker skin, favoring instead a Jewish association they perceive as more distinguished and beneficial.
Seeking to bolster their claims, these Igbos cite cultural similarities as signs of an ancestral link. They point to the presence of an Igbo community, approximately 30,000 in number, who adhere to Judaic practices.
Among those championing the Igbo-Jewish heritage, some intriguingly posit that “Hebrew” might be an offshoot or misarticulation of “Igbo.” In a more striking assertion, the name for the Hebrew deity, “Yahweh,” they suggest, was initially recorded as “YWH”—interpreted in Igbo as “Ya wu ihe,” or “He (God) is the light”—and later misinterpreted as “YAHWEH” with the addition of vowels.
However, according to a recent Pew Research study, Jewishness is more intimately connected with lineage than with cultural practices or religious rites. This perspective is supported by the use of DNA testing in Israel to confirm an individual’s Jewish heritage.
Recently, the Israeli publication Haaretz disclosed that the Chief Rabbinate, Israel’s highest religious institution, has been asking for DNA evidence to verify Jewish ancestry as a prerequisite for issuing certain marriage certificates. Legally, to establish one’s Jewish identity to the Rabbinate in line with Orthodox tradition, one must demonstrate maternal Jewish descent, as Jewish lineage is traditionally determined through the mother.
So far, no Igbo claimant of Jewish origin has satisfied the DNA test requirement. Rather, genetic research firmly roots the Igbo lineage in Sub-Saharan African haplogroups, contrasting with the Middle Eastern genetic markers found in Jewish populations. Too bad.
This implies that the majority of self-identified Igbos claiming Jewish heritage are not recognized as such by the Rabbinical authority, and they often face scrutiny over their Jewish identity when they apply for Jewish citizenship or seek religious ceremonies, such as marriage.
Furthermore, scholarly consensus does not back the Igbo-Jewish ancestry narrative, pointing instead to an identity crisis amongst its Igbo proponents. Moreover, the broader Jewish community does not acknowledge the Igbo practitioners of Judaism for the purposes of migration to Israel or as Jewish in the traditional sense.
As some Igbos claim Jewish heritage, the international community anticipates the arrival of an Igbo Nobel prize winner across various prestigious fields. True Jewish identity is characterized by a tradition of significant contributions, not just by claiming Jewishness.
The stark disparity between the Jewish track record in securing Nobel honors and the absence of Igbo Jewish recipients highlights, to some important degree, the improbability of shared ancestry.
It’s critical to acknowledge that assuming a Jewish identity, even when inauthentic, is an individual choice that merits respect if it provides a sense of fulfillment and positivity. Yet such assertions should be approached with transparency and authenticity, not driven by secondary motives like immigration benefits.
In summary, the assertion by certain Igbos regarding a newfound Jewish heritage, which appears to lack significant genetic corroboration, may reflect deeper underlying problems, such as low self-worth, widespread despondency, entrenched hopelessness, or an unsophisticated quest for relevance. The claim to Igbo Jewish origins often seems to emerge from such a context of desperation.
Folks, let go of this inauthentic Jewish persona. Embrace your Igbo heritage with pride. Your success, relevance and recognition are not contingent upon Jewish ancestry. Simply be true to yourself and strive to become the finest version of who you are.
