The Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Noam Katz, on 28th March 2005 declared in Abuja "I’m aware and sure that we have unique traditions, culture and strong bonds that link us to the Igbo people. It has been proved that these unique bonds are helping in creating ties between us. There are some traditions that the two peoples have in common. I was told by some Igbo friends about common cultures and customs that we have together, some linguistic connections between Hebrew and Igbo"http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/features/sundiplomat/2004/mar28/diplomat-mar28-001.htm
quote:In his book titled The Igbos: Jews of Africa, Remy Ilona with contributions from Ehav Eliyah as reviewed by NWAGBO NNENYELIKE http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/features/arts/2005/may/24/arts-24-05-2005-001.htm " equally lists scholars’ views on the meaning of Igbo. While some describe Igbo as a corrupted form of Hebrew (Ivri or Ibri), others argue that it is a mispronunciation of Hebrew which sounds like Igbo. In addition, Chukwu means God in Igbo while Abiama is Abraham."
"Besides, in the traditions of the Igbo, the book draws parallel lines between the Jews and Igbo on the birth of a child, its circumcision, naming of the child, ritual birth, religious practices, such as prayers, festivals, marriage, funeral ceremony, *** caste system, among others. The author cites so many areas in the Bible to buttress his points."
Remy Ilona's book,a well-researched work which delves into the historical , cultural, environmental,linguistic affinities and similarities etc, between THE JEWS AND IGBOS is a must read for all Igbos and the Jews.
However,in The Igbo People-Origns and History" Kate Slattery <<http://www.qub.ac.uk/en/imperial/nigeria/origins.htm>> has a contraily view.
Said she, "Analysis of the sources that are available (fragmentary oral traditions and correlation of cultural traits) have led to the belief that there exists a core area of Igboland, [inhabied by Igbos], and that there were waves of immigrant communities from the north and west who planted themselves on the border of this core area [Igboland] as early as the ninth century. This core area – Owerri, Orlu and Okigwi – forms a belt, and the people [the Igbos] in this area have no tradition of coming from anywhere else."
In the light of all these, we are establishing a website : www.igboroot.com <<http://www.igboroot.com>> with a view to establishing and re-inforcing Igbo roots.
Similar researches, publications, commentaries, narratives are welcomed.
If you wish to be part of this force, contact:
NWANKWO NORBERT IKECHUKWU,
FELBEX PHARMACY LIMITED, KARU,ABUJA, FCT, NIGERIA.
University of Nigeria, Nsukka (Reg No. 80/26917).
Pharmacist Council of Nigeria (Reg No. 003913).
2005 Annual L icence To Practice [No:800127]. email:norbertnwankwo@yahoo.com
FOR A COPY OF THE BOOK.
Contact:Ehav Eliyah [United States],
email: ahabeliyah@yahoo.com
Non residents of United States, Europe,Canada and Asia can get their copies from : Nwankwo Norbert Ikechukwu.
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