Hebrew Israelites celebrate 1967 exodus from the U.S.

The Hebrew Israelite community, African Americans who left the United States in 1967, celebrated their exodus from the country that enslaved their ancestors and their later arrival to their ancestral home in Israel.

Zahvada Zivdiyah is moved by a musical performance as the Hebrew Israelite community in Dimona, Israel celebrates New World Passover, their 1967 exodus from the United States and their arrival in Israel, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

The Village of Peace, the spiritual community’s epicenter in Dimona, was a joyful scene as residents gathered for the annual New World Passover.

“After 2000 years of exile from this place and 400 years of slavery in America, we are celebrating, now, 58 years since our return to Israel,” said Ashriel Moore, a spokesman for the community.

Some 3,000 Hebrew Israelites live in southern Israel. They observe an interpretation of biblical laws formulated by their late founder that includes strict veganism, fasting on the Sabbath, a ban on wearing synthetic fabrics and other traditions.

 “It's the only time in the year when we have the opportunity for the entire community to all gather together,” said Moore.” To be able to bestow light on each other. Love, appreciation and then that memory of us being in bondage in America as slaves and now us being free once again in our homeland.”

A family from the Hebrew Israelite community wears matching outfits as they celebrate New World Passover. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

Dancers perform in the Village of Peace. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

The Hebrew Israelite community dances in the Village of Peace. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

A child climbs a tent pole for a better view during a celebration of New World Passover. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

A family watches a stage performance. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

A woman sings along with a performer. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

Read more on the Hebrew Israelite community in Our AP report

You can license my photos of the Hebrew Israelite community here