var zflag_nid='794'; var zflag_cid='1091/988'; var zflag_sid='122'; var zflag_width='300'; var zflag_height='250'; var zflag_sz='9'; Members of the African Hebrew Israelite community, popularly known as "the Black Hebrews" celebrated the Shavuot Harvest on Sunday in the sleepy southern town of Dimona. African Hebrew Israelis 7 (photo credit: REUTERS) African Hebrew Israelis 8 (photo credit: REUTERS) African Hebrew Israelis 6 (photo credit: REUTERS) African Hebrew Israelis 5 (photo credit: REUTERS) African Hebrew Israelis 4 (photo credit: REUTERS) African Hebrew Israelis 3 (photo credit: REUTERS) African Hebrew Israelis 1 (photo credit: REUTERS) African Hebrew Israelis 2 (photo credit: REUTERS) The community in Dimona began in 1969 when some 300 African-Americans settled immigrated to Israel, claiming to be descendants of the ancient Israelites, saying that they therefore have the right to settle in the Jewish state. The community, though not recognized as Jews by Israel despite their belief in the Torah, were granted permanent resident status in 2003.
