Israeli Prime Minister Highlights Deep Historical Ties with Africa, Biafra Connection Emerges
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently emphasized the profound historical and cultural connections between Israel and Africa, stating his commitment to strengthening these relationships. During his remarks, Netanyahu highlighted the ancient roots of the Jewish people, noting his own lineage traces back to Judea and referencing a 2,700-year-old signet ring found near the Western Wall bearing the name "Netanyahu," a Jewish official from the time of King Hezekiah. He also mentioned his first name, Benjamin, connecting it to Benjamin, son of Jacob, who, along with his 12 sons, roamed the hills of Judea and Samaria 4,000 years ago. Netanyahu asserted a continuous Jewish presence in the land since then, underscoring the enduring hope of exiled Jews to return to their homeland.
"As the Prime Minister of Israel, I speak for a hundred generations of Jews who were dispersed throughout the lands, who suffered every evil under the sun, but who never gave up hope of restoring their national life in the one and only Jewish state," Netanyahu stated. He proclaimed, "Israel is coming back to Africa, and Africa is coming back to Israel."
Netanyahu expressed strong belief in Africa's potential, present, and future, describing it as a continent on the rise with diverse and talented people. He affirmed that strengthening relations with African nations is a top national and international priority for Israel. He notably became the first Israeli prime minister to visit Africa in decades, assuring that future visits by Israeli leaders will occur within months, not decades or years.
He drew parallels between the histories of Israel and African nations, noting shared experiences of foreign rule, horrific wars, and slaughters, and a continued fight to overcome the past and build a hopeful future. Netanyahu highlighted Israel's own struggle for independence, enduring bondage, slavery, and genocide, but ultimately prevailing. He believes Israel is the best partner for African countries, citing Theodor Herzl, the founder of modern Zionism, who reportedly stated his intention to help liberate Black people after liberating the Jewish people.
The Prime Minister also spoke about the integration of Ethiopian Jews into Israeli society, a process he personally oversees regularly. He reiterated his belief in Africa's future and the partnership between Israel and African nations, affirming Israel's continued support for its friends, allies, and "family."
In a related discussion, the connection between the Igbo people of Biafra and ancient Hebrew history was explored. A representative from the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, asserted that a significant portion of Biafra's approximately 70 million people, nearly 50 million, identify with their Jewish heritage and practice Judaism. Kanu mentioned that the 1929 Encyclopedia Britannica specifically referred to the Igbos as "the Jews of Africa," noting similarities in traditions from circumcision to practices mentioned in Leviticus.
Kanu described how colonialism and the introduction of Christianity suppressed much of this Jewish heritage, shifting emphasis from the Torah to the New Testament, though aspects of their tradition remained within the Old Testament.
Discussing the struggle for an independent Biafran state, Kanu stated their desire for an "independent Jewish state, a Biafran state that is absolutely independent of anything to do with Nigeria." He referenced an ancient place called "Arch," analogous to the Temple in Jewish tradition, as a return to their ancestral way of life.
Kanu also highlighted perceived recognition from within the Israeli establishment, mentioning past statements by figures like Yitzhak Rabin and Henry Kissinger. He dismissed fears of a mass migration of Biafrans to Israel, stating their aim is to return to and be in Biafra.
Sharing his personal story, Kanu recounted his arrest and 19-month detention in Nigeria for advocating for his people's freedom, despite court orders for his release. He described a subsequent attempt on his life by the Nigerian army, which resulted in the deaths of 28 people, before he was evacuated and smuggled out of Nigeria, eventually seeking refuge in Israel, where he feels safest.
Kanu expressed an expectation for the Israeli government and society to uphold their obligation to defend Judaism and Jewish faith globally, believing it is Israel's moral responsibility to ensure Biafra stands as an independent entity in Africa.
The discussion further emphasized the belief in a deep, historical "bloodline" connection between Biafrans and Israelis, referencing the Star of David on the Biafran flag as a reflection of this heritage. It was noted that the Igbos have been recognized on Israel's website as a "lost tribe of Israel," alongside communities from Uganda and Ethiopia. The strong solidarity shown by Israelis during Biafran Day events was cited as further evidence of this connection, with many seeing it as the birth of the "first Jewish African state." The speaker underlined that Israel has officially recognized the Igbos as one of the lost tribes of Israel.
The discussion concluded with a strong affirmation of the bond, stating that "blood is thicker than water," and that Israel's support for Biafra, including the alleged official recognition, signifies a unique and enduring brotherhood.
