Reclaiming History: Indigenous Support for Israel

July 29, 2024

by: Nathan Williams, Director of Marketing and Communications

 

Ancient texts, including the Bible, describe the Jewish people’s presence in the Land of Israel for thousands of years. Archaeological sites such as the City of David and the Temple Mount are tangible remnants of a vibrant Jewish civilization that dates back to the era of Kings David and Solomon around 1000 BC.

Yet one of the most pervasive false narratives that the Jewish state faces today is the accusation of being an occupier, a modern-day colonizer destroying and displacing the “new” indigenous people from their land. As the millennia-long history of the Jewish people in the region is casually overlooked, this new form of replacement theology continues to take hold—and makes it increasingly more difficult to discern fact from fiction.

Jerusalem, Oh Jerusalem

The Jewish connection to the Land of Israel is not a recent development but a profound historical and archaeological reality. At the heart of this inescapable truth lies Jerusalem, the heart of the Jewish faith and identity, which has always been central to Jewish life.

Jerusalem’s streets and stones tell the story of a people whose roots run deep into the fabric of the city’s history. From the time of King David, who made Jerusalem his capital, to the present day, the city has been the spiritual and political center of Jewish life.

Archaeological discoveries consistently support these historical claims. Excavations in Jerusalem have uncovered artifacts, including pottery, coins and inscriptions in ancient Hebrew, which substantiate the continuous Jewish presence in the region. The Dead Sea Scrolls, found in the Qumran caves, further authenticate the Jewish people’s ancient scriptural traditions, proving their long-standing spiritual and cultural ties to the land.

When former US President Donald Trump made the monumental decision in 2017 to recognize Jerusalem as the eternal and undivided capital of the Jewish people—and thus necessitated moving the US embassy there—he was only affirming what every Jewish person (and millions of Christians) already recognize and believe in their hearts. In similar fashion, earlier this year the Indigenous Coalition for Israel launched an international movement of indigenous First Nation peoples working to establish an embassy in Israel. Through this monumental step, the First Nation peoples of the world have affirmed the Jewish people’s historical connection to the Land of Israel and their right of return. The placement of the Indigenous Embassy in Jerusalem is particularly poignant as it underscores the city’s unique status and the profound connection Jews have to it. Jerusalem is not just a place on the map but a living testament to the Jewish people’s enduring legacy and faith.

Countering the Narrative

Over 200 tribal leaders from North and South America, Asia, various Pacific Island states and Africa were among the diplomats and dignitaries present at the launch of the Indigenous Embassy in Jerusalem in February. This historic event marks the fifth embassy opened in Jerusalem and the 100th in Israel, symbolizing a powerful counter-narrative to the claim that Jews are occupiers of their ancestral homeland.

The opening of the Indigenous Embassy was a momentous occasion, marked by heartfelt speeches and declarations of support from indigenous leaders worldwide. Regent Xami Thomas, leader of the Khoi Kingdom of Southern Africa, delivered a particularly powerful message: “Anybody who says that Israel isn’t indigenous doesn’t know what they’re talking about. If Israel isn’t indigenous, there’s no indigenous nation on Earth.” Thomas’s words resonated deeply with the attendees, emphasizing the rightful place of the Jewish people in Israel.

Not only do these groups of First Nations people acknowledge that the Jewish people are the indigenous people of the land—a status supported by historical continuity, cultural heritage and religious tradition—but they also have a history of supporting and protecting the Jewish community in the Diaspora (the Jewish population outside Israel). Chief Joseph RiverWind of the Arawak Taino tribe of Puerto Rico recounted that five centuries ago, his ancestors welcomed Sephardic Jews fleeing persecution under the Spanish Inquisition. “Our parents planted a love for Israel in our hearts,” he explained.

Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Fleur Hassan-Nahoum highlighted that the international recognition of the Jewish people’s indigenous status challenges the false portrayal of Israel as an occupier. “The main narrative of our haters is to try to separate the Jewish people from the Land of Israel. This is their strategy. This is their tactic. First Peoples understand that the very definition of indigeneity is to be formed as a people in a land. The Jewish people became the Jewish people in this land”.

The creation of the Indigenous Embassy in Jerusalem is a testament to the growing recognition among indigenous groups worldwide of the Jewish people’s deep-rooted connection to Israel. It highlights the importance of historical accuracy and the acknowledgment of Jewish indigenous rights. This embassy not only strengthens Israel’s position on the global stage but also fosters a deeper understanding and respect for the Jewish historical narrative.

As the world witnesses the growing false narratives that seek to delegitimize Israel, the establishment of the Indigenous Embassy in Jerusalem underscores the Jewish people’s rightful place in Israel. It is a powerful affirmation of their indigenous status, supported by a wealth of historical and archaeological evidence. The Indigenous Embassy in Jerusalem stands as a symbol of this truth, reaffirming that their presence in the land is not a modern imposition but a rightful return to their ancient homeland.

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