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Igbo Jews

Igbo Jews are members of the Igbo people of Nigeria who practice Judaism. It is a tenet of their beliefs that they have ties to one of the lost tribes of Israel, the tribe of Gad. Jews have been documented in parts of Nigeria since the precolonial period, but it is not known for the Igbo to have claimed Israelite descent or practiced Judaism prior to colonial times. Significant Igbo identification with Jews concretized during and after the Biafran War (1967–1970). No formal census has been taken in the region and the precise number of Igbo in Nigeria who practice Judaism is not known. An estimated 30,000 Igbo Jews, having at least 26 synagogues of various sizes, were said to exist in 2008. In 2021 there were said to be approximately 12,000-15,000 practicing Igbo Jews in Nigeria, comprising some 70 active communities. A more conservative figure of at least 2,000-3,000 Igbo practicing Judaism, and at most 5,000, has also been given.

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See also

• ▸Bret Hart
• ▸Bennett Boskey
• ▸China–Vietnam relations

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