Hebrews of West Africa: Unraveling the Legacy of Hebrew Federations and the African Diaspora

A tradition within Omenana is for the community’s young men to sit among the council of elders after Shabbat for wisdom and apprenticeship. Though I now reside in the U.S. and am 38 years old, I continue this custom. In a recent conversation with the honorable Rabbi Francis Duru, I learned about a critical chapter in our shared heritage—the time when our Moroccan Hebrew brothers sought refuge among us during the reign of the Songhai Empire under Askia Mohammed I.

The histories of West Africa are intricate tapestries interwoven with stories often overshadowed by narratives of empires and the transatlantic slave trade. One such thread reveals the compelling tale of Hebrew federations in Africa, their alliance with Moroccan Jews, their resilience under persecution, and their contributions to the African diaspora. This article explores these intersections, tracing the journey of Hebrew-descended communities like the Igbo and their shared legacies with Moroccan Jews.

Moroccan Jews: Custodians of Hebrew Traditions

By the late 15th century, Moroccan Jews were pivotal to cultural and economic exchanges between North and West Africa. Their arrival in Morocco, spurred by the expulsion of Sephardic Jews from Spain during the Inquisition, introduced a skilled and resilient population to the region.

Their expertise in commerce—particularly in the trade of gold, salt, and other commodities—facilitated interactions with diverse West African communities. According to Remy Ilona in The Igbos and Israel, Moroccan Jews infused Hebrew spiritual practices into trans-Saharan trade routes, fostering cultural exchanges.

The resilience of Moroccan Jews amid adversity was remarkable. As intermediaries, they disseminated Hebrew cultural and spiritual traditions, creating a bridge connecting their northern origins to the heart of Igboland in West Africa.

Askia Mohammed and the Exodus of Hebrews

The rise of the Songhai Empire under Askia Mohammed I (1493–1528) was transformative but challenging for non-Muslim communities. To consolidate an Islamic identity, Askia Mohammed imposed harsh taxes and restrictions on non-Muslims, including Hebrews.

Persecuted communities fled southward, seeking refuge. This migration had a profound impact, particularly on the Igbo people. In Timbuktu and the Songhai Empire, John Hunwick documents how the exodus disrupted trade networks and spread Hebrew customs into new regions.

Parallels between Igbo traditions and Hebrew practices—such as circumcision on the eighth day, Sabbath observance, and dietary laws—underscore shared heritage. These alignments suggest a historical connection reinforced by the arrival of Hebrew migrants escaping the Songhai Empire’s persecutions.

The Igbo: A Hebrew Federation in West Africa

Among West African groups, the Igbo stand out for their claims of Hebrew ancestry. Scholars such as Elizabeth Isichei and Remy Ilona highlight the deep cultural, linguistic, and spiritual connections between the Igbo and ancient Hebrews.

Linguistic and Spiritual Links

The Igbo language contains striking similarities to Hebrew. "Chukwu," the Igbo supreme deity, resonates with the Hebrew concept of "Elohim." Dietary laws and sacred rituals in Igbo communities reflect ancient Hebrew practices (The Igbos and Israel, Ilona).

Elizabeth Isichei’s A History of the Igbo People suggests that oral traditions describing migrations from the north may correspond with Hebrew migrations during the Songhai upheaval. These accounts align with Tudor Parfitt’s research in The Lost Tribes of Israel, which explores Jewish dispersal across Africa.

Cultural Continuity

Igbo traditions, such as circumcision and rest day observances, represent a remarkable continuity of Hebrew practices. These customs, predating European influence, affirm the deep roots of Hebrew heritage in Igboland.

Interactions Between Moroccan Jews and the Igbo

Historical evidence, though limited, points to significant cultural exchanges between Moroccan Jews and the Igbo.

Trade was the primary conduit for these interactions. Moroccan Jews, as trans-Saharan traders, engaged with Igbo merchants controlling vibrant markets. Beyond commerce, these exchanges included spiritual and cultural dialogues. Ilona posits that Moroccan Jews may have reinforced Hebrew traditions among the Igbo, enhancing an existing shared heritage.

Norman Stillman’s The Jews of Arab Lands highlights how Jewish merchants carried sacred texts and oral traditions during migrations, further embedding Hebrew elements within Igbo communities.

The Slave Trade and the Diaspora

The transatlantic slave trade in the 15th century disrupted African societies, including Hebrew-descended communities. Coastal forts like Elmina, established in 1482, became epicenters of human trafficking, diverting West African economies toward this tragic enterprise.

Igbo Resilience Amid Enslavement

The Igbo were among the most affected groups. Despite the trauma of enslavement, Igbo captives preserved Hebraic customs, influencing African diasporic cultures. John Thornton’s Africa and Africans in the Making of the Atlantic World highlights how Igbo spirituality shaped African-American religious movements.

Diasporic Connections

Forced migrations linked African Hebrew traditions with new cultural forms in the Americas. The resilience of these communities in preserving their heritage amidst displacement is a testament to their enduring identity.

Legacies of Cultural Resilience

The histories of Moroccan Jews, the Igbo, and other Hebrew-descended communities exemplify resilience and cultural preservation. Despite persecution under Askia Mohammed and the devastations of the transatlantic slave trade, these communities maintained their spiritual and cultural identities.

As Ilona notes in The Igbos and Israel, these connections reveal an unbroken chain of Hebrew heritage that spans continents and centuries. The interactions between Moroccan Jews and Igbo traders underscore the transformative power of cultural exchange in sustaining traditions across Africa.

Conclusion: Rekindling Ancestral Ties

The history of Hebrew federations in West Africa is not only a story of survival but also one of profound resilience and cultural enrichment. From Moroccan Jews who bridged continents to the Igbo who upheld Hebrew traditions under persecution, these narratives demand a reevaluation of Africa’s place in the Hebrew diaspora.

This legacy calls us to reconnect with our ancestral culture—Omenana. By reviving these traditions, we can restore harmony and prosperity to our communities, honoring the wisdom of our ancestors who thrived amidst unity and faith.