PDF Summary:Hiding The Hebrews, by Dante Fortson

In Hiding The Hebrews, author Dante Fortson meticulously presents evidence of an elaborate plot throughout history to conceal the true ancestry of the Israelites. He suggests that biblical prophecies indicating the scattering and enslavement of Hebrews foreshadowed the transatlantic slave trade.

Fortson argues the Israelites integrated into African societies, establishing kingdoms across the continent. Drawing connections with their distinct physical traits, cultural practices, and names of enslaved Africans, he proposes a Hebrew lineage for a significant portion of African Americans.

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Fortson presents a range of historical and archaeological evidence to substantiate his claims. He references the Ethiopian dynastic succession tracing back to Solomon, as well as the presence of the Israelite kingdom of Kazembe and the Hebrew state of Kamnuria, to present strong arguments for a broad Hebrew existence throughout Africa, which disputes the traditional accounts that concentrate exclusively on their history in the Levant.

Examples include the Solomonic dynasty of Ethiopia, the Israelite kingdom of Kazembe, and the Hebrew state of Kamnuria.

• Fortson suggests a lineage that ties back to ancient Israelites, highlighting the lineage of the Ethiopian Solomonic dynasty's descent from the legendary King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. This connection is crucial as it substantiates the assertion that Hebrews have sustained their presence on the African continent for millennia.

• The Kazembe kingdom, located in the heart of Africa, had royal attire that closely mirrored the garb of Israelite priests, lending support to Fortson's claims regarding the widespread distribution of Israelites throughout Africa.

• The medieval kingdom of Kamnuria, which serves as an example of the persistent Hebrew settlements in different parts of Africa, was situated close to the river known as the Senegal.

Context

• The Solomonic dynasty of Ethiopia claims descent from Menelik I, who, according to Ethiopian tradition, was the son of King Solomon of Israel and the Queen of Sheba. This legend is detailed in the Ethiopian national epic, the Kebra Nagast, which plays a significant role in Ethiopian cultural and religious identity.
• Israelite priestly garments, as described in biblical texts, included specific items like the ephod, breastplate, and linen garments, which were distinct and symbolic, often indicating religious and cultural significance.
• The Senegal River is a major river in West Africa, flowing through countries like Senegal and Mauritania. Its proximity to Kamnuria suggests the kingdom might have been strategically located for trade and cultural exchange, which could have facilitated the spread and influence of Hebrew culture.

The connection between the Hebrews and the transatlantic slave trade.

Fortson's argument is pivotal in that it draws a connection between biblical prophecies about the scattering and enslavement of the Israelites and the historical occurrences of the transatlantic slave trade. He proposes that "Daughter of Babylon" symbolically refers to the Americas, highlighting the significant part played by the United States in oppressing the true Hebrews.

The phrase "Daughter of Babylon" is commonly understood to symbolize the involvement of the Americas, especially the United States, in subjugating Israel.

Fortson offers an alternative interpretation of the term "Daughter of Babylon," proposing it represents an emerging power distinct from the historical empire of Babylon.

The book of Jeremiah, along with the lamentations in Psalms 137, portrays the adversities and captivity experienced by the group referred to as "the Daughter of Babylon."

Fortson cites Psalms 137, commonly linked to Jeremiah, where the psalmist conveys grief about captivity, using a symbolic reference to an entity known as "The Daughter of Babylon." This distinction is critical as it suggests a future enslavement, prophesied to occur long after the fall of the Babylonian Empire. Fortson draws a parallel between this prophecy and the severe trials and deliberate destruction of cultural identity endured by Africans in slavery, akin to the psalmist's portrayal of a cruel ruler demanding to hear the melodies associated with Zion while in a land not their own.

Practical Tips

• Engage in a creative project, such as painting or poetry, that expresses the themes of displacement and yearning found in Psalms 137. This allows you to process and articulate these complex emotions in a tangible form, which can be both a personal outlet and a way to share your reflections with others.
• Create a personal reflection journal where you write down your thoughts and feelings about passages that resonate with you, noting any connections you see to their historical context or attributed author. If a particular verse strikes you, jot down why it does, how it relates to the historical setting it may have come from, and what you think the author's intent might have been.
• Create a playlist of music that resonates with your feelings of grief or loss to help process emotions. Music can be a powerful tool for emotional expression and healing. Select songs that you feel capture the essence of what you're going through, or that provide comfort during tough times. Listening to this playlist when you're feeling overwhelmed can provide a sense of understanding and companionship.
• Engage with the concept by writing a short story or poem that incorporates "The Daughter of Babylon" as a character or motif. Think about what this symbol could represent in a modern context—perhaps as a figure of power, transformation, or conflict. Use this as a narrative device to explore themes that resonate with you personally, such as exile, longing, or resilience.
• Compare and contrast the themes of hope and lamentation in contemporary music. Listen to a variety of songs from different genres and identify which ones convey a sense of hope and which express lamentation. Note the lyrics, the tone, and the context of these songs. This exercise will give you a modern-day parallel to the emotional expressions found in Psalms 137 and Jeremiah, enhancing your appreciation of these ancient texts.
• Develop a habit of questioning the long-term implications of societal trends by starting a discussion group with friends or colleagues. Once a month, choose a current trend, such as the increasing use of AI in everyday life, and debate its potential to limit or enhance personal freedom in the future. This exercise will sharpen your critical thinking skills and help you become more aware of how trends can evolve into societal norms that might restrict individual liberties.
• Develop a habit of reading diverse news sources from different countries to gain a broader perspective on current global dynamics. By doing so, you can better understand the interconnectedness of nations and how the fall of one could potentially affect others, akin to the ripple effects post-Babylonian Empire.
• Engage with your local community by volunteering for organizations that work to preserve and educate about the history and culture of marginalized groups. Look for museums, cultural centers, or educational programs that focus on the history of slavery or the experiences of African descendants. By contributing your time and effort, you can help keep the memory and lessons of the past alive, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation within your community.
• Create a personal art piece that represents the concept of cultural resilience. Use any medium you're comfortable with, such as painting, sculpture, or digital art, to express how culture can endure and evolve despite attempts to suppress it. This creative process can help you empathize with the struggle to maintain cultural identity under oppressive conditions.
• Use creative writing to empathize with the experience of being out of one's element by penning a short story or poem from the perspective of someone in a foreign land. Writing from another's viewpoint can deepen your understanding of their emotional landscape and the complexities of their experiences. Choose a character or persona who is far from home and imagine the sights, sounds, and emotions they encounter. This exercise can enhance your empathy and creative expression, allowing you to connect with narratives of displacement and adaptation.

Slave names with Hebrew origins found in the TransAtlantic Slave Trade database suggest Hebrews were among the captives

Fortson strengthens his argument by highlighting that many Africans, whose names have Hebrew roots, are documented in the database pertaining to the Transatlantic Slave Trade. He regards these names as possible remnants that may have been deliberately concealed to obscure their link to Hebrew lineage.

Many enslaved individuals bore names that included the terms "Yah" and "Jah."

Fortson emphasizes that the names of slaves frequently contained the shortened versions "Yah" and "Jah," which are variations of the name used for the divine being in Hebrew culture. He argues that the presence of these names, representing a proportion of 1.369% of the entire database, cannot be dismissed as mere chance. This discovery is pivotal for Fortson's hypothesis, which posits a tangible connection between the enslavement of the ancient Israelites and the transatlantic slave trade.

Other Perspectives

• The use of "Yah" and "Jah" in names might reflect broader linguistic or cultural influences rather than a specific connection to Hebrew culture.
• The argument may overlook the diversity of African naming practices, which could include similar-sounding syllables that are not derived from Hebrew culture.
• The percentage of 1.369% might be statistically insignificant and could occur due to random distribution of names rather than indicating a deliberate pattern or connection.
• The argument may be an example of confirmation bias, where only evidence supporting the hypothesis is considered, while other explanations or contradictory evidence are not adequately addressed.

The ban was implemented to deter enslaved individuals from utilizing their native tongue and participating in their customary rituals.

Fortson highlights the deliberate actions taken to deprive enslaved Africans of their linguistic identity, personal appellations, and cultural customs. He argues that this intentional destruction of cultural identity aimed to sever their connection to their ancestral lineage, thus making it difficult for them to recognize themselves as descendants of Israel.

Context

• This strategy was intended to break the spirit and resistance of enslaved individuals by disconnecting them from their heritage and community support systems.
• Slaveholders often prohibited the use of native languages and traditional practices to weaken communal bonds and enforce dependency on the imposed culture, which was often European or American.
• The loss of cultural identity has had lasting effects on the African diaspora, influencing contemporary discussions about identity, heritage, and the reclamation of lost histories.

The early Hebrews possessed traits that are significantly distinct from modern depictions.

This section of the story challenges the common perception that the Hebrews largely resembled white Europeans in their physical appearance. Fortson presents a depiction of the ancient Israelites through an in-depth analysis of historical art, scriptural stories, and genetic diseases, which corresponds closely with the characteristics of contemporary populations of African descent.

Historical depictions, ancient records, and biblical stories indicate that the individuals known as Hebrews had a darker skin tone.

Fortson presents a compelling collection of historical evidence supporting his claim that the Hebrews of antiquity frequently possessed physical characteristics typically associated with people of African descent.

Artwork from early civilizations such as Assyria, as well as the first Christian communities, depict the Hebrews as having a darker skin tone.

Fortson emphasizes a variety of ancient artworks to contest the notion that the ancestors of the Israelites were of Caucasian descent. He cites examples such as:

• The carvings of ancient Assyria often depict captives with physical characteristics that resemble those found in contemporary Black communities. The author emphasizes the consistency seen in different engravings, suggesting that they accurately depict the Hebrews' physical characteristics instead of just being artistic variations.

• Fortson highlights the frequent depiction of Hebrews as having a darker complexion in Egyptian artwork. This observation is consistent with scriptural narratives that suggest Hebrews could be confused with Egyptians, indicating a significant similarity in their appearance.

• Fortson highlights that the earliest depictions of Christ and his followers, found in Africa and the Mediterranean, show characteristics commonly associated with Black individuals.

Practical Tips

• Engage with online forums or social media groups focused on art history and cultural representation. Share your insights on the depiction of Hebrews in early art and invite discussion. This can broaden your perspective with input from a diverse audience and allow you to contribute to the wider conversation on historical representation in art.
• Engage with augmented reality (AR) apps that allow you to visualize historical figures and artifacts in your own space. Use these apps to 'place' reconstructions of ancient carvings or statues in your home, and study the features up close. This hands-on approach can give you a more personal sense of the physical diversity depicted in ancient art. Look for apps that offer a range of artifacts from different cultures and time periods to compare with the Assyrian carvings you're interested in.
• Create a visual timeline of religious iconography using printouts or digital images that show the evolution of Christ's depiction over time. Focus on finding and including images from Africa and the Mediterranean that exhibit Black characteristics. This will help you visualize the changes and possibly understand the cultural and historical influences that shaped these depictions.

Tacitus observed that the Hebrews bore a physical similarity to Ethiopians, especially regarding their distinctly dark complexion.

Fortson bolsters his argument that the Israelites bore a resemblance to Ethiopians and were therefore not white by citing ancient historical accounts, including those penned by Tacitus. The author then reinforces this claim with biblical verses such as:

• The sun's intense heat has charred my very skeleton. - Job 30:30

• Our skin was black like an oven because of the terrible famine, as mentioned in the biblical verse found in Lamentations 5:10.

These verses, as interpreted by Fortson, offer direct narratives from biblical figures that challenge the notion that the Israelites had a fair complexion.

Other Perspectives

• Tacitus's works often contain rhetorical and moral critiques of the subjects he described, which may have led to exaggerations or misrepresentations in his accounts of foreign peoples, including the Hebrews.
• Biblical verses are often metaphorical or poetic and may not be intended to convey literal descriptions of physical appearance.
• The phrase "charred my very skeleton" could be interpreted as a poetic expression of suffering or affliction rather than a description of skin color.
• The description of black skin in the context of famine could be interpreted as a result of malnutrition and the physical toll it takes, which can cause a darkening of the skin in certain conditions, rather than an indication of the Israelites' natural complexion.

The narrative of Gehazi's curse implies that the original skin tone of the Hebrews was other than white, as it led to a permanent change in their complexion.

Fortson cites the biblical account in which Gehazi is afflicted with a condition that turns his skin extremely pale, reinforcing the claim that his skin tone was significantly darker prior to this incident.

This calls into question the notion that the progeny of the Israelites were primarily of Caucasian ancestry.

Fortson argues that it would be illogical for a curse to lighten the Israelites' skin color if they were naturally fair-skinned to begin with. He argues that this curse signifies an intentional change in Gehazi's physical features, indicating that he, and consequently the community of Israelites he was part of, were initially people with a darker complexion. He presents a persuasive viewpoint that challenges the traditional portrayal of the Israelites as having roots in Caucasian lineage.

Context

• Archaeological findings, such as ancient artifacts and depictions from regions like Egypt and Mesopotamia, often show people from the Levant with features that differ from those typically associated with Caucasian ancestry.

Other Perspectives

• The notion of a curse changing skin color might be a later interpretative addition to the text, reflecting the biases or cultural context of the interpreters rather than the original narrative.
• The interpretation of ancient texts should consider the broader cultural and historical context, and not rely solely on isolated passages to draw conclusions about ethnicity or physical traits.

The book's assertions have profound implications for the self-perception of contemporary African Americans.

This concluding section of the analysis integrates various components of Fortson's argument, culminating in the remarkable assertion that a considerable proportion of African Americans could potentially trace their ancestry to the ancient Israelites. He urges readers to reevaluate historical accounts and acknowledge the possibility that Black communities may have a concealed Hebrew lineage.

If the Hebrews participated in the transatlantic slave trade, then a considerable portion of African Americans might be their progeny.

Fortson delves into the profound connections between the lineage of numerous African Americans and the ancient Israelites, emphasizing the importance of his discoveries.

The Rastafarian flag features an emblem of a lion, which represents the biblical tribe of Judah, signifying a connection to Ethiopia.

Fortson highlights the symbolic significance of the Rastafarian flag, which showcases a lion representing Judah's lineage, in addition to hues that reflect Ethiopian heritage. He interprets the resemblance as a sign that some Black communities possess a deep-seated belief in their ancestral connection to the Israelites and their persistent presence in Africa.

Practical Tips

• Start a small-scale clothing line featuring designs that incorporate the lion emblem and colors of the Rastafarian flag, tailored to those who resonate with its symbolism. This could be a creative outlet and a business opportunity, allowing you to express your connection to the themes of heritage and identity it represents.
• Start a small garden with plants native to Ethiopia, such as coffee or Abyssinian rose, to cultivate a physical and natural connection to the land. Tending to these plants can be a meditative practice that helps you reflect on the lion's symbolism and its roots in Ethiopian soil.
• Start a journal where you document the significance of colors in your daily life, noting how they make you feel and any cultural associations they may have. This can be a simple notebook where each day you write about a color you encountered, its context, and its personal or cultural relevance to you.

The high rates of skin cancer among modern Israeli populations call into question the idea that the Israelites have Caucasian ancestral roots.

Fortson proposes that the elevated incidence of melanoma among Israel's present-day residents calls into question the notion that ancient Israel was mainly inhabited by individuals with fair complexions. He argues that if the current inhabitants of Israel were truly descended from the ancient Hebrews who lived in the Middle East for a long time, they would have developed a natural resistance to the harmful effects of sunlight. Fortson suggests that the lack of opposing views strengthens his case about the likelihood that those living in the area known as Israel may not be the true descendants of the ancient Israelites.

Other Perspectives

• The ability to resist the harmful effects of sunlight is not solely determined by skin color; other genetic factors can play a role in skin cancer susceptibility.
• Advances in medical diagnosis and reporting could contribute to higher observed rates of skin cancer in modern populations compared to ancient times, where such records would not exist.
• The assumption that ancient Hebrews had a uniform complexion or level of resistance to sunlight is an oversimplification, as historical populations were likely diverse, and their traits would have been subject to change over time due to various evolutionary pressures.
• The lack of opposing views could be due to a variety of reasons, such as the novelty of the argument or a lack of awareness, rather than the argument's inherent correctness.

Christ warned of a group that wrongly claims to be of Jewish heritage, implying the existence of people who falsely identify themselves as being of Israelite lineage.

Fortson concludes his analysis by emphasizing Christ's warning about a certain congregation that falsely claims Jewish ancestry, which is identified in the book of Revelation as aligned with Satan, specifically in passages 2:9 and 3:9. He suggests that particular care is warranted due to the possibility that the true ancestry of the early Israelites may have been deliberately obscured and their heritage assumed by other peoples. This final argument urges readers to question conventional narratives, delve deeper into historical research, and consider the possibility of a hidden Hebrew ancestry within diverse communities.

Practical Tips

• You can deepen your understanding of cultural heritage by researching your own family history to ensure accuracy in your claims. Start by using online genealogy platforms or visiting local archives to trace your lineage. This will give you a personal connection to the topic and help you appreciate the importance of truthful heritage claims.
• Engage in interfaith dialogue to foster empathy and understanding by reaching out to different religious or spiritual communities in your area. Participating in discussions and shared events can help you appreciate the diversity of beliefs and practices, and how they relate to the concepts of unity and division mentioned in the passages. You might attend a service at a different denomination's church or join a religious studies group to hear various perspectives.
• Create a personal cultural exchange project by learning about a culture that's historically intertwined with your own. For example, if your heritage is Italian, you might explore the Jewish influence in Italy during the Roman Empire. Engage with this culture through its cuisine, language, music, and traditions to gain a deeper understanding of how cultures can intertwine and evolve.
• Engage in role reversal debates with friends where you argue from a perspective opposite to your own on various topics. This activity can expose you to different arguments and help you understand the reasoning behind viewpoints you might typically dismiss.
• Start a personal history project by choosing an event or era that intrigues you and create a timeline of its major milestones. This can be done using a simple spreadsheet or a visual timeline tool online. As you research, add events, figures, and interesting facts to your timeline. This will help you see the broader context and connections between events, enhancing your understanding of historical patterns and their relevance to today.
• Participate in DNA testing to discover genetic markers that may indicate Hebrew ancestry. Purchase a DNA test kit from a reputable company that specializes in detailed ethnic analysis. Once you receive your results, look for markers that are commonly associated with Hebrew or Middle Eastern ancestry. This can provide a scientific basis for understanding your genetic heritage and may confirm the book's idea of hidden ancestry within diverse communities.