MayorofLagos:
[s]Among the Igbo, one of Nigeria’s largest ethnic groups, there is widespread identification with Jews, and many see themselves as descendants of the biblical Israelites.

But a recent test to determine if a group of Igbo men share genetic material with Jews is back — and no connection was found.

Even before the results were known, the test was the source of heated debate among the Igbo. Now activists are decrying the enterprise, and the missionary American group that carried it out, as illegitimate.

“Our purpose for providing this DNA testing…was to assist them in their pursuit of truth concerning their historical lineage and identity,” Jonathan Bernis, head of Jewish Voice Ministries International, wrote in an email to the Forward. The DNA test results “did not support their claim to be descendants of the ancient people of Israel.”

Jewish Voice Ministries International is a Messianic missionary organization that appeals to “lost tribes of Israel” and people with Jewish heritage around the world to spread the message of “Messianic Judaism and the Jewish roots” of Christianity.

In March, the group carried out the test in collaboration with a local religious group called Redeemed Israel Community of Nigeria, gathering some 120 saliva samples of community members. The tests were carried out using kits from Family Tree DNA, a Texas-based company that sells genealogical analyses, including a focus on Jewish heritage.

The genetic test had been the source of fierce debate among Igbo members, some of whom questioned Jewish Voice’s ability to successfully carry out such a test and whether such a test would serve or hurt their cause.

“There is no DNA test for ‘Jewishness,’” Igbo lawyer and author Remy Ilona wrote in a lengthy Times of Israel blog post, which outlined his objections both to the group and what he sees as their faulty methods. Ilona has written a series of books promoting the thesis that Igbos are genealogical Israelites.

Onwukwe Alaezi, an author who first supported the effort, decried the Messianic group as saboteurs who came only to delegitimize the Igbo. “Whether the white fake Jews want it or not,” he wrote in a Facebook post. “Igbo are Jews.”

Email Sam Kestenbaum at kestenbaum@forward.com and follow him on Twitter at @skestenbaum

Read more: http://forward.com/fast-forward/379533/igbo-men-have-no-semitic-dna-according-to-controversial-test/[/s]

Whether the white fake Jews want it or not,” he wrote in a Facebook post. “Igbo are Jews.”

BabaRamota1980:
Hey Mayor, aboki, i thought they ban you.

The Megida of alaIbo. . Welcome back

navyseal2220:
[/quote]
[quote author=navyseal2220 post=59357057]

Zeze06:
I don't even understand why this point is to be proven,

Do Jews get free money?

kitaatita:


I wonder. I am Igbo and I'm not enthusiastic about this Jewish stuff. My fellow Ndigbo shouldn't make themselves insecure. It is a thing of pride to be Igbo, albeit not the Nnamdi Kanu type.

MayorofLagos:


Onwukwe Alaezi, an author who first supported the effort, decried the Messianic group as saboteurs who came only to delegitimize the Igbo. “Whether the white fake Jews want it or not,” he wrote in a Facebook post. “Igbo are Jews.”

Zeze06:
What do you mean by "not the Nnamdi Kanu type" ?

I thought all igbos are supporting him, are you not?

Zeze06:
What do you mean by "not the Nnamdi Kanu type" ?

I thought all igbos are supporting him, are you not?

irynterri:
you must be living all your life on nairaland to think more than 10million Igbos support Nnamdi Kanu

raker300:
ugly Afonja monkeys

MayorofLagos:
Among the Igbo, one of Nigeria’s largest ethnic groups, there is widespread identification with Jews, and many see themselves as descendants of the biblical Israelites.

But a recent test to determine if a group of Igbo men share genetic material with Jews is back — and no connection was found.

Even before the results were known, the test was the source of heated debate among the Igbo. Now activists are decrying the enterprise, and the missionary American group that carried it out, as illegitimate.

“Our purpose for providing this DNA testing…was to assist them in their pursuit of truth concerning their historical lineage and identity,” Jonathan Bernis, head of Jewish Voice Ministries International, wrote in an email to the Forward. The DNA test results “did not support their claim to be descendants of the ancient people of Israel.”

Jewish Voice Ministries International is a Messianic missionary organization that appeals to “lost tribes of Israel” and people with Jewish heritage around the world to spread the message of “Messianic Judaism and the Jewish roots” of Christianity.

In March, the group carried out the test in collaboration with a local religious group called Redeemed Israel Community of Nigeria, gathering some 120 saliva samples of community members. The tests were carried out using kits from Family Tree DNA, a Texas-based company that sells genealogical analyses, including a focus on Jewish heritage.

The genetic test had been the source of fierce debate among Igbo members, some of whom questioned Jewish Voice’s ability to successfully carry out such a test and whether such a test would serve or hurt their cause.

“There is no DNA test for ‘Jewishness,’” Igbo lawyer and author Remy Ilona wrote in a lengthy Times of Israel blog post, which outlined his objections both to the group and what he sees as their faulty methods. Ilona has written a series of books promoting the thesis that Igbos are genealogical Israelites.

Onwukwe Alaezi, an author who first supported the effort, decried the Messianic group as saboteurs who came only to delegitimize the Igbo. “Whether the white fake Jews want it or not,” he wrote in a Facebook post. “Igbo are Jews.”

Email Sam Kestenbaum at kestenbaum@forward.com and follow him on Twitter at @skestenbaum

Read more: http://forward.com/fast-forward/379533/igbo-men-have-no-semitic-dna-according-to-controversial-test/

Zeze06:
Let me be sincere with you

All igbos support biafra though some do so verbally and will not physically participate in the struggle

Most of the Hausa Christians support them too, especially the educated ones...

I don't even know why anyone would not support the course of freedom...

Sha that's by d way,

My landlord gave me quit notice

Had no other option than to pack to Nairaland, are you visiting or you live here too?..

Almaiga:

Lie, na so so lie una sabi. How can a Northerner either Christian or Muslim support Biafra. Keep deceiving your selves.

Sapiosexuality:
@ aribisala0 Such Memes are insensitive. http://www.mortalpoet.com/arent-memes-share-insensitive/