Dimona, Israel. In the heart of the Negev Desert, the African Hebrew Israelite Community, known as the Village of Peace, marked its annual New World Passover with a week of song, dance, and communal celebration.

The festival drew members and guests from across Israel and abroad, uniting the community in a colourful display of culture and faith. Tables filled with plant-based dishes highlighted the group’s long-standing commitment to a vegan lifestyle, a cornerstone of their philosophy of health and harmony.

The African Hebrew Israelites first arrived in Israel in the late 1960s, led by their spiritual leader Benyamin Ben Ammi, who guided the community from the United States in a journey of spiritual return. In the decades since, they have become a distinct and vibrant part of Israel’s diverse social fabric.

Although their path to acceptance within Israeli society was not without challenges, the community today is recognised as a symbol of coexistence and resilience. Their beliefs, rooted in both ancient Hebrew traditions and modern cultural expression, emphasize freedom, peace, and renewal—values reflected each year in their Passover celebration.

Widely known for its focus on healthy living and communal unity, the Village of Peace has gained a reputation as a crime-free, health-conscious community. Its annual New World Passover stands as both a celebration of heritage and a testament to the enduring spirit of the African Hebrew Israelites in the modern State of Israel.