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Nathanyel Ben Israel | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | January 1, 1966 |
| Nationality | Israelite |
| Occupation(s) | Religious leader, author |
| Known for | Head Bishop and President of Israel United in Christ (IUIC) |
| Notable work | "Welcome Home an Introduction to Righteousness" |
| Website | israelunite |
Nathanyel Ben Israel (born January 1, 1966) is a religious leader and author within the pan-African community.[1] He is known for his role as the head bishop and president of Israel United in Christ (IUIC), a religious organization, headquartered in Mount Vernon, New York. [2][3][4][2][5]
Early life and career
editNathanyel Ben Israel was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and raised in North Carolina. He was exposed to various Christian denominations during his childhood, including Baptist and Jehovah witnesses. He explored other spiritual paths, including the Nation of Islam and Kemetic groups in New York City. [2][3]
In 2003, he founded Israel United in Christ while living in Coney Island, New York. He is known for his involvement with the Black Hebrew Israelites movement and has been recognized for his teachings and beliefs within this context. In his early years, he was instructed in biblical understanding by the seven elders of the Israeli School of Universal Practical Knowledge for six years.[6][7]
Israel United in Christ
editNathanyel Ben Israel holds the position of head bishop and president within Israel United in Christ (IUIC), an organization with a mission to preach the Gospel of Christ to dispersed communities worldwide. The organization also aims to engage in charitable relief efforts where possible and to encourage adherence to biblical laws and the teachings of Jesus Christ.[8][4][9]
IUIC members are known for their distinctive purple and gold garments and for preaching in public spaces, where they share their beliefs about black identity and its biblical significance. The group’s activities include public sermons and street teachings, which often draw attention due to their confrontational style and controversial messages.[10][1]
Teachings and Beliefs
editNathanyel Ben Israel is associated with the Black Hebrew Israelites movement, which believes that African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans are part of the lost tribes of Israel. The user wants to maintain a professional tone when discussing this belief. He is known for expressing his opinions on societal, political, and religious matters, opposing practices like skin bleaching, Christmas, and Valentine’s Day.[7][4][9]
The teachings of IUIC often emphasize the belief that African Americans are the true descendants of the biblical Israelites and that mainstream interpretations of Christianity have distorted the original teachings. The group encourages a return to what they believe are the authentic practices and values of the Israelites.[10]
Controversies
editNathanyel Ben Israel and IUIC have faced controversies concerning their teachings and beliefs. Some criticisms have been directed towards the organization’s perspectives on race and religion. The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) has expressed concern over the extremist wing of the Black Hebrew Israelites, which includes IUIC. This wing is noted for its controversial stance on race and its confrontational public preaching style.[5][11]
The SPLC has classified IUIC as part of the extremist wing of the Black Hebrew Israelites due to its anti-Semitic and racially charged rhetoric.[10] The group’s public sermons have sometimes led to confrontations with passersby, and their messages have been criticized for promoting racial division.[10][11]
Authorship
editNathanyel Ben Israel is acknowledged as the author of two books.
- "Welcome Home: An Introduction to Righteousness", published in 2015, serves as a guide to help readers embrace God's divine truth, highlighting their identity as Israelites, believed to be direct descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The book emphasizes the Bible as their historical record.[12] In his early years, he was instructed in his biblical understanding by the seven elders of the Israeli School of Universal Practical Knowledge for six years. While there he was under the tutelage of Masha Ben Chareem Peter Sherrod (Yaiqab) and Leonado Sherrod (Ahrayah).[13]
- "Understandest Thou, What Thou Readest?: A Pictorial Guide of Bible Secrets", published in 2006. This book offers readers a visual exploration of hidden insights within the Bible, aiming to enhance their understanding of its teachings and secrets.
Personal life
editNathanyel Ben Israel has been married to S. Susannah since 1990.
Legacy and Impact
editThe impact of Nathanyel Ben Israel and IUIC extends beyond their religious teachings. They have been part of broader discussions about race, identity, and religion in America. Their public presence and distinctive message have made them a notable group within the Black Hebrew Israelite movement.[10]
References
edit- ^ a b "Israel United in Christ". israelunite.org. Retrieved 2023-08-16.
- ^ a b c noah (2017-10-02). "Hebrew Israelite Leader Warns Kendrick Lamar Against Public Embrace". The Forward. Retrieved 2023-08-16.
- ^ a b Ojerinde, Dayo (2020-02-13). "Group proffers solution to security challenges, others". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 2023-08-16.
- ^ a b c "Israel United in Christ Inc - GuideStar Profile". www.guidestar.org. Retrieved 2023-08-16.
- ^ a b Esensten, Andrew. "How many Hebrew Israelites are there?". www.australianjewishnews.com. Retrieved 2023-08-16.
- ^ "Extremist Sects Within the Black Hebrew Israelite Movement | Center on Extremism". extremismterms.adl.org. Retrieved 2023-08-16.
- ^ a b "Preacher Says Skin Bleaching, Valentine, Abominable Independent Newspaper Nigeria". independent.ng. Retrieved 2023-08-16.
- ^ "Israel United in Christ organization aims to bring a change to Jonesboro". K8 News. 2024-04-20.
- ^ a b c Israel, Nathanyel (2015-06-21). Welcome Home an Introduction to Righteousness. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform. ISBN 978-1-5146-4602-1.
- ^ a b c d "Courting Butt Naked: Israel United in Christ attempts to recruit former cannibal and leader of a Liberian child army". Southern Poverty Law Center. Retrieved 2023-08-16.
- ^ a b "Israel United in Christ slams Black Clergy". jamaica-gleaner.com. 2013-09-01. Retrieved 2023-08-16.
- ^ "UCLA-Journal-of-Religion-Vol.-04-Complete" (PDF).
- ^ ThriftBooks. "Nathanyel Ben Israel Books | List of books by author Nathanyel Ben Israel". ThriftBooks. Retrieved 2023-08-16.