The remaining group of some 40 tenacious souls finally emigrated to Israel in 1969. The community, which has since spawned three generations and thousands of followers, is believed to be the largest organized settlement of African-Americans outside the United States. The former urbanites are concentrated in Israel's southern desert town of Dimona, also home to a nuclear reactor. Though their box houses are flimsy and the surrounding town is an industrial eyesore, the settlement fosters a fairytale feeling. Women are wrapped in the indigo cloth and headdresses of African royalty.
Sandaled men stroll with staffs.
Photos of bearded spiritual leader Ben Ammi decorate the walls. They exercise often in their gym facilities, don't smoke or use drugs and are strictly vegetarian. According to Ben Shlomo, in the near 30 years that they have lived in Israel, no one has died of disease. Indeed, the Black Hebrews seem to have escaped the ills that haunt many communities. They say crime and drug use within the community are non-existent.