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African Hebrew Israelites Celebrate Shavuot

Members of the African Hebrew Israelite community, popularly known as "the Black Hebrews", celebrated on Sunday the holiday of Shavuot in Dimona
Image: Members of the African Hebrew Israelite community watch a dance as they take part in celebrations for the holiday of Shavuot in Dimona
Members of the African Hebrew Israelite community, popularly known as "the Black Hebrews", watch a dance as they take part in celebrations for the holiday of Shavuot in the southern town of Dimona June 15, 2014.FINBARR O'REILLY / Reuters

Members of the African Hebrew Israelite community, popularly known as "the Black Hebrews," celebrated Shavuot on Sunday in Dimona, Israel.

The community, who call themselves the African Hebrew Israelites of Jerusalem, moved to Israel in 1969 from the United States and have since maintained a vibrant culture which includes a communal lifestyle and a vegan diet. They are not recognized as Jews by Israel despite their belief in the Torah, but were granted permanent resident status in 2003.

Image: A girl from the African Hebrew Israelite community hides behind an adult during a celebration for the holiday of Shavuot in Dimona
A girl from the African Hebrew Israelite community hides behind an adult during a celebration for the holiday of Shavuot.FINBARR O'REILLY / Reuters

— Reuters and Getty Images