QUESTION:
There exists a claim that the Igbos of Nigeria belong to the Children of Israel. There are millions
of inhabitants in and out of Igboland who belong to the Igbo tradition. Much has been written
about the Igbo traditions, which attest to the claim, including historical and anthropological
works, detailing lore, customs, sociology, philosophy, and history. Despite strong evidences of
their connection to the Biblical Israelites, due to forced conversions to Christianity, there are few
rabbinic authorities today who decide that Igbos must undergo either a full conversion or under-
go strict procedures, to remove all doubt, and to reintegrate them with the Jewish People. What is the halakhah regarding the Israelite identity of the Igbos and can halakhic Jews marry with
them?
