Am J Hum Genet February 2000 PMID 10677325

Y chromosomes traveling south: the cohen modal haplotype and the origins of the Lemba--the "Black Jews of Southern Africa".

M G Thomas, T Parfitt, D A Weiss, K Skorecki, J F Wilson, M le Roux, N Bradman, D B Goldstein

Mentions

85
Peak: 16 in Feb 2025
across 4 sources since May 2019

Extended reach

858,556
potential audience

Total likes

6,817

Video views

609,281

Mentions per month

May 2019 – Nov 2025

Where it's discussed

  • X / Twitter73 posts
  • News8 articles
  • YouTube2 videos
  • Facebook2 posts

AI synopsis

What people are saying

Several posts show deep engagement by citing genetic studies and historical narratives, such as references to the Cohen modal haplotype and the Lemba’s ancient Jewish roots, illustrating a collective interest in understanding the intersection of genetics and heritage. The tone is respectful and inquisitive, focusing on supporting the article's implications about historical migrations and identity.

AgreementStrong agreement

Most discussions support the article’s findings, emphasizing the evidence of Jewish ancestry among African groups like the Lemba.

InterestHigh interest

Numerous posts express high curiosity about the genetic and historical implications, with mentions of DNA studies and historical origins.

EngagementHigh engagement

Posts delve into supporting evidence, referencing specific DNA findings, historical context, and debates about ethnicity and origins.

ImpactHigh impact

The discussions highlight the significance of the research in challenging misconceptions about Jewish identities and African history.

Abstract in brief

  • The study investigates the genetic origins of the Lemba people, a group in Southern Africa who claim Jewish ancestry, revealing both Bantu and Semitic Y chromosome contributions.
  • A notable discovery is that one of the Lemba clans carries the Cohen modal haplotype, a genetic marker associated with the Jewish priestly class, indicating a possible paternal link to Judaic lineage.
  • The research also estimates that the eastern Bantu expansion began approximately 3,000 to 5,000 years ago based on microsatellite variation, providing historical context for the group's genetic history.

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
arctotherium
@arctotherium42 · X

https://t.co/7xG5E3bmGL

Feb 25, 2024 · 5 likes · 24,661 followers View post →
Yukako Ban
@yukakoB · X

これ面白かった 南部アフリカに黒人のユダヤコミュニティがある話 たしかに数年前、ヨハネスブルグCBDで土曜日に教会に行くと言うブラックファミリーに会ったことがあり あれ、ユダヤかな?と思ったんだけど、南アでユダヤ系と言うとアシュケナジー(白人)のイメージが.. https://t.co/fqCqNlBF5O

Feb 16, 2025 · 5 likes · 1,023 followers View post →
ave383
@ave383 · X

@dustinamerica @rudebwaifender @tariqnasheed Here's a link to the DNA studies of the Lemba tribe of South Africa who have far higher Cohen markers than European jews. Over 50% for the lemba and under 15% for European jews. You've been debunked. https://t.co/jr3147OEYV https://t.co/V2ZzHyw8SS

Jul 16, 2020 · 5 likes · 1 share · 438 followers View post →
ave383
@ave383 · X

@MalanasQueendom DNA evidence has proven that blacks are the original jews. Claiming they aren't is anti-semitic. You really need to educate yourself instead of spreading false information. https://t.co/jr3147OEYV https://t.co/BDiMtTf7RZ

Jul 16, 2020 · 4 likes · 438 followers View post →
ave383
@ave383 · X

@dustinamerica @tariqnasheed "Disputing all DNA evidence" On the contrary. https://t.co/jr3147OEYV https://t.co/Oh5rxwENhq

Jul 16, 2020 · 2 likes · 438 followers View post →
Mani Isna La #IndigenousLivesMatter
@mikecoulson48 · X

The African Jewish Community That Was Told It Didn’t Exist | Unpacked https://t.co/jka1bR5dXo https://t.co/GQ4iBr4yrU

Apr 13, 2025 · 1 like · 1 share · 25,299 followers View post →

All mentions

SUMMER TIME
@summerhasfun · X

Y Chromosomes Traveling South: The Cohen Modal Haplotype and the Origins of the Lemba—the “Black Jews of Southern Africa” - PMC https://t.co/w6pHDFOI0g

Nov 19, 2025 · 72 followers View post →
⚘
@B892990647 · X

@EricTropicalTX @thevoicetruth1 https://t.co/jMhpBHvHTJ

Sep 7, 2025 · 34 followers View post →
New Cameroon Views
@Janvierchando · X

RT @Janvierchando: The African #Jewish Community That Was Told It Didn’t Exist | Unpacked https://t.co/LavSXp7zTy #Bethlehem #Africa #Rhin…

Aug 20, 2025 · 1 share · 27,161 followers View post →
Flushing Tenants Alliance
@flushingtenant · X

The African Jewish Community That Was Told It Didn’t Exist @rafaelshimunov https://t.co/6DLUHDUd06

Aug 9, 2025 · 1,061 followers View post →
Michael Nyasa
@minya213 · X

@bonnie238165662 @jahman_adamski @ProfSibs There are real, real Jews in Zimbabwe, the Lemba, who have been there for thousands of years. https://t.co/obWZQA6ZM7

Aug 1, 2025 · 110 followers View post →
Sissi Natasha
@Natashasissi · X

https://t.co/keasme7jQ0

Jul 20, 2025 · 3 followers View post →
Jambalaya Talks
@JambalayaTalks1 · X

Jun 21, 2025 · 1,857 followers View post →
New Cameroon Views
@Janvierchando · X

The African #Jewish Community That Was Told It Didn’t Exist | Unpacked https://t.co/LavSXp7zTy #Bethlehem #Africa #Rhinelandmassacre #Lemba #israel #Jews #Diaspora #JewishDiaspora #Bamileke #Igbo #Bassa #hegemoninthemaking #Jerusalem #Mizrahim #UnbrokenI #UnbrokenII #UnbrokenIII

Jun 7, 2025 · 1 share · 27,161 followers View post →
Theodora
@_Aniweta · X

@RedAnonBlueAnon @DravenNoctis https://t.co/UP4FuXfMN8

Jun 6, 2025 · 252 followers View post →
CAMDEN-WATCH
@CamdenWatch · X

RT @CamdenWatch: The African Jewish Community That Was Told It Didn’t Exist | Unpacked https://t.co/eqWu5k2qOp via @YouTube

May 18, 2025 · 1 share · 6,044 followers View post →
CAMDEN-WATCH
@CamdenWatch · X

The African Jewish Community That Was Told It Didn’t Exist | Unpacked https://t.co/eqWu5k2qOp via @YouTube

May 18, 2025 · 1 like · 1 share · 6,044 followers View post →
Steph
@BlitzDallas · X

@KwalagangzaeM @HcmxKilla @BachirSoHumble @DeionSandersJr Adams et al., Am J Hum Genet, 2008 (https://t.co/3dvXzb4Gc3) Thomas et al., Am J Hum Genet, 2000 (https://t.co/DOCd4IfAmn)

Apr 30, 2025 · 2,313 followers View post →
leah
@ElizabethLaud12 · X

RT @mikecoulson48: The African Jewish Community That Was Told It Didn’t Exist | Unpacked https://t.co/jka1bR5dXo https://t.co/ritSQR7Ydk

Apr 27, 2025 · 1 share · 7,120 followers View post →
Lee is back
@Mr_ReadingTown · X

RT @mikecoulson48: The African Jewish Community That Was Told It Didn’t Exist | Unpacked https://t.co/jka1bR5dXo https://t.co/ritSQR7Ydk

Apr 27, 2025 · 1 share · 17,798 followers View post →
Mani Isna La #IndigenousLivesMatter
@mikecoulson48 · X

The African Jewish Community That Was Told It Didn’t Exist | Unpacked https://t.co/jka1bR5dXo https://t.co/ritSQR7Ydk

Apr 27, 2025 · 1 like · 1 share · 25,299 followers View post →
Peace22
@Peace2019857746 · X

Africans Jewish Community That was told it didn't exist. https://t.co/mDPZ8lmFHI

Apr 24, 2025 · 42 followers View post →
Elgato Satoshi
@elgato_oto · X

The African Jewish Community That Was Told It Didn’t Exist | Unpacked https://t.co/euzjMwItvc

Apr 16, 2025 · 1 like · 515 followers View post →
⚘
@B892990647 · X

https://t.co/wbC8iN7qlo

Apr 13, 2025 · 34 followers View post →
David Walsh Ⓥ
@BluebirdDave · X

RT @mikecoulson48: The African Jewish Community That Was Told It Didn’t Exist | Unpacked https://t.co/jka1bR5dXo https://t.co/GQ4iBr4yrU

Apr 13, 2025 · 1 share · 433 followers View post →
Mani Isna La #IndigenousLivesMatter
@mikecoulson48 · X

The African Jewish Community That Was Told It Didn’t Exist | Unpacked https://t.co/jka1bR5dXo https://t.co/GQ4iBr4yrU

Apr 13, 2025 · 1 like · 1 share · 25,299 followers View post →
AMc
@jamesagustusm · X

https://t.co/3KAQy3533A

Apr 12, 2025 · 443 followers View post →
kitty lan
@lan57956 · X

The African Jewish Community That Was Told It Didn’t Exist | Unpacked https://t.co/2Rzl2ZkEZE via @YouTube

Apr 10, 2025 · 54 followers View post →
Ana חַנָּה
@ForeverIsrael7 · X

Lemba community in Zimbabwe, a Jewish African community discovered. Amazing !!!! The African Jewish Community That Was Told It Didn’t Exist | Unpacked https://t.co/XtcOyMLkCe via @YouTube

Apr 6, 2025 · 6,270 followers View post →
'Ndres Benjamin Adams | The NBA Player Pod God
@NBAPodGod · X

@TonyBob1495766 @conspiraciesAre @DiscussingFilm https://t.co/c40JWZbapa https://t.co/PHt1pdoBSi

Mar 26, 2025 · 605 followers View post →
'Ndres Benjamin Adams | The NBA Player Pod God
@NBAPodGod · X

@RockDocDoug @DiscussingFilm Thought you would be smart enough to copy and paste into a Google search engine https://t.co/c40JWZbapa https://t.co/bb0v4KpIOF https://t.co/WMPsQNabHo (Haplotype) https://t.co/K3hKaJYaOr

Mar 26, 2025 · 605 followers View post →
Kj
@KristjanHigdon · X

Do we realize there are many ancient Jewish communities in Africa? The African Jewish Community That Was Told It Didn’t Exist | Unpacked https://t.co/B2ZXKAzhi1 via @YouTube

Mar 25, 2025 · 1,203 followers View post →
Alan Gilmore
@almgtop · X

The African Jewish Community That Was Told It Didn’t Exist | Unpacked https://t.co/wtvqrqpaxc via @YouTube

Mar 24, 2025 · 36 followers View post →
AFRICA: Seen & Heard
@AFRICASeenHeard · X

The African Jewish Community That Was Told It Didn’t Exist | Unpacked https://t.co/8GehPQJuix

Mar 22, 2025 · 1,770 followers View post →
'Ndres Benjamin Adams | The NBA Player Pod God
@NBAPodGod · X

@romanov2025 @Indo_Watcher @Gentilenewsnet I’ll continue. Baby brain, do you know what the Y-Chromosome represents as it is related to the Cohen modal? https://t.co/c40JWZbapa https://t.co/4WgdWONuh2

Mar 14, 2025 · 605 followers View post →
Kevin Kwasa
@Kourt_38 · X

@NjoRogue you will ove this one https://t.co/R4fhoEzhEH

Mar 8, 2025 · 359 followers View post →
Ras Judah
@jSpechal · X

https://t.co/kitCMElNfu

Mar 7, 2025 · 1,329 followers View post →
Ras Judah
@jSpechal · X

The African Jewish Community That Was Told It Didn’t Exist | Unpacked https://t.co/kitCMElNfu via @YouTube

Mar 7, 2025 · 1,329 followers View post →
Spearman™
@faustin_ka56871 · X

The African Jewish Community That Was Told It Didn’t Exist | Unpacked https://t.co/ULK35JRQnb via @YouTube

Mar 6, 2025 · 1 like · 2,311 followers View post →
Aschelon JH
@jhp92321 · X

@Herman733015 @Div_HumasParcok @erlanishere

Feb 26, 2025 · 47 followers View post →
ZEM | Zimbabwe Economic Movement Nations
@ZEMNATIONS · X

The African Jewish Community That Was Told It Didn’t Exist | Unpacked https://t.co/77eBL8BCiQ via @kanyewest follow @Dohj_com

Feb 24, 2025 · 2,264 followers View post →
shal tale
@yujgghtf · X

The African Jewish Community That Was Told It Didn’t Exist | Unpacked https://t.co/3HP13CiI91 via @YouTube

Feb 23, 2025 · 1 like · 46 followers View post →
Raymond Osterlind
@RaymondOsterli1 · X

@BasedSamParker https://t.co/UNvgfzGdQH

Feb 21, 2025 · 447 followers View post →
Pasi Rinevene
@chinamawere · X

The African Jewish Community That Was Told It Didn’t Exist | Unpacked https://t.co/TdrZBOLF5l via @YouTube

Feb 17, 2025 · 1 like · 954 followers View post →
Night Shift
@ExtraNightshift · X

https://t.co/oyMgIVqlDl

Feb 16, 2025 · 24 followers View post →
ToraLotus
@ToraLotus · X

#africa #story #people #lembe https://t.co/LEYOKzJQxm

Feb 16, 2025 · 107 followers View post →
Yukako Ban
@yukakoB · X

これ面白かった 南部アフリカに黒人のユダヤコミュニティがある話 たしかに数年前、ヨハネスブルグCBDで土曜日に教会に行くと言うブラックファミリーに会ったことがあり あれ、ユダヤかな?と思ったんだけど、南アでユダヤ系と言うとアシュケナジー(白人)のイメージが.. https://t.co/fqCqNlBF5O

Feb 16, 2025 · 5 likes · 1,023 followers View post →
Mani Isna La #IndigenousLivesMatter
@mikecoulson48 · X

The African Jewish Community That Was Told It Didn’t Exist | Unpacked https://t.co/H2WoIHzZXw https://t.co/hCkBjSxsu1

Feb 15, 2025 · 25,299 followers View post →
Chuks Umunnakwe
@Ugwoezechuks1 · X

The African Jewish Community That Was Told It Didn’t Exist | Unpacked https://t.co/m6lvXZlSW8 via @YouTube

Feb 14, 2025 · 84 followers View post →
V
@anonymous_30328 · X

The African Jewish Community That Was Told It Didn’t Exist | Unpacked https://t.co/ChyfOeowoa via @YouTube

Feb 14, 2025 · 1,076 followers View post →
Gideon Major
@reppossess · X

The African Jewish Community That Was Told It Didn’t Exist | Unpacked https://t.co/nF1doaSrmf via @YouTube

Feb 14, 2025 · 368 followers View post →
James
@JTDH · X

Are the Lemba People of Zimbabwe Really Jewish? | Unpacked https://t.co/yIxosyJIFz via @YouTube

Feb 12, 2025 · 1,228 followers View post →
(((Tamara)))
@TamaraOnStuff · X

Are the Lemba People of Zimbabwe Really Jewish? | Unpacked https://t.co/DTmi8lvg7R via @YouTube

Feb 12, 2025 · 1,166 followers View post →
Micha Danzig
@DanzigMD · X

Super-interesting video by my son and his team at @JewishUnpacked regarding the Lemba Jews of southern Africa. https://t.co/Mg7XaWHp1N

Feb 12, 2025 · 1 like · 1,751 followers View post →
FIRE JOE SCHOEN 2023
@Wrongsnowboard8 · X

@RedG325 @RealDirtyDan___ @ConspiracyBull1 But that is precisely what my source indicates. Ashkenazi, Sephardi, Mizrachi Hebrews are each sub-varieties of the same common ethnicity. Ethiopian Jews are not part of this ethnicity- theyre converts. However the Lemba are indeed part of the ethnicity. https://t.co/bkt00SeN22

Jan 8, 2025 · 135 followers View post →
'Ndres Benjamin Adams | The NBA Player Pod God
@NBAPodGod · X

@OldTownGP @dezzie_rezzie My guess is you’re Ashkenazi correct? I suggest reading the Bible, Genesis 10 (Ashkenaz) https://t.co/c40JWZbapa

Nov 24, 2024 · 605 followers View post →
Old School Jet
@SimBreezay · X

@colt_anaconda44 @la21unika @ChuffedAF69 @meganshead @TriciaD11cat This is false. They cluster close to Sephardic and Mizrahi Jews, so you have no clue what you’re talking about. There are also the Lemba who have to Cohen DNA haplogroup: https://t.co/SHOYNPqTZz. So, other groups outside of the Ashkenazi cluster, but you’ve been fooled.

Nov 2, 2024 · 1,262 followers View post →
Old School Jet
@SimBreezay · X

@AFRICA_Negroes @davnorthside @jonny_2cold This is false: https://t.co/KjDmtXFB8d.

Oct 16, 2024 · 1,262 followers View post →
arctotherium
@arctotherium42 · X

https://t.co/7xG5E3bmGL

Feb 25, 2024 · 5 likes · 24,661 followers View post →
Adam squires
@adsquires · X

@ElonBachman @6myrnyi @JamesPsychol Bantus shmantus https://t.co/oOeW6ag21s

Feb 19, 2024 · 4,268 followers View post →
lily de la cruz
@lily77339541 · X

What is a Jew anyway? *Questions and research are not antisemitism. I’m doing research, is this a reliable source? Y Chromosomes Traveling South: The Cohen Modal Haplotype and the Origins of the Lemba—the “Black Jews of Southern Africa” - PMC https://t.co/cClp6ZOHhY

Jan 23, 2024 · 517 followers View post →
Lucy Brunson aka Graulich/Robinson/Moll/Kuhn
@ALIENLIFE2021 · X

LIKE PORPHYRIA TOOK THEIR DIRTY LAUNDRY TO SOUTH AFRICA NOTHING TO BE PROUD OF WHY IM AGAINST RACE MIXING THE TO STOP THE SPREAD OF THEIR GENEPOOL https://t.co/AXLBBhbrFg

Jan 16, 2024 · 329 followers View post →
Issachar Zevulun ✡♓
@blazar_jones · X

RT @blazar_jones: @fabfinehas @semitic_jew Y Chromosomes Traveling South: The Cohen Modal Haplotype and the Origins of the Lemba—the “Black…

Dec 10, 2023 · 1 share · 2,752 followers View post →
Issachar Zevulun ✡♓
@blazar_jones · X

@fabfinehas @semitic_jew Y Chromosomes Traveling South: The Cohen Modal Haplotype and the Origins of the Lemba—the “Black Jews of Southern Africa” Am J Hum Genet. 2000 Feb; 66(2): 674–686. Published online 2000 Feb 11. doi: 10.1086/302749 link:https://t.co/2zWJPiedq2 https://t.co/T7NxX1YPFd

Dec 10, 2023 · 1 like · 1 share · 2,752 followers View post →
Bontsha the Silent
@BontshaS · X

@RediTlhabi I got to “occupying force” 5 lines in before stopping. You can’t occupy your own homeland despite what that antisemite John Robbie told you. That’s why terrorism never works against Israelis. Even the Lemba prove who the original inhabitants are. https://t.co/5iqjqBZx3f.

Nov 25, 2023 · 114 followers View post →
Jonathan Weissbraun
@JonathanWeissb3 · X

@BrunoScalia @MoesDen @shim_rational And yet European Jews have links to the Levant. Other Europeans don’t. https://t.co/YZjKHvQ1VR

May 17, 2023 · 223 followers View post →
MOBmob
@GnarlySign · X

Not only are these Jews Africans spread across Southern Africa,they’ve been Jews since 3-5000 years ago,colonialism and slavery was antisemitic Y Chromosomes Traveling South: The Cohen Modal Haplotype and the Origins of the Lemba—the “Black Jews of Southe https://t.co/YwdiH38vsY

Apr 27, 2023 · 1,722 followers View post →
MOBmob
@GnarlySign · X

Not only are these Jews Africans spread across Southern Africa,they’ve been Jews since 3-5000 years ago,that’s antisemitic Y Chromosomes Traveling South: The Cohen Modal Haplotype and the Origins of the Lemba—the “Black Jews of Southern Africa” - PMC https://t.co/YwdiH38vsY

Apr 27, 2023 · 1,722 followers View post →
Affinity
@affinity292 · X

@amos_abwabati @BachirSoHumble And the gene is much rarer among Nonjews. The Lemba are believed to descend from ancient Jews and one of their clans also shares the gene https://t.co/60nPvX9CFc

Nov 17, 2022 · 1,497 followers View post →
.
@tribecalledcase · X

Y Chromosomes Traveling South: The Cohen Modal Haplotype and the Origi... https://t.co/4qyk0SZmKQ

Oct 31, 2022 · 343 followers View post →
hausa/a personal account
@metaphysicalsou · X

RT @ave383: @dustinamerica @rudebwaifender @tariqnasheed Here's a link to the DNA studies of the Lemba tribe of South Africa who have far h…

Aug 16, 2020 · 1 share · 1,415 followers View post →
Stefanie Risk
@srisk513 · X

@EzekielWyatt3 @TuskMamba @gabatron3 @NickCannon There is DNA evidence of Jacob and most Jewish ppl (not all) have Jacobs Y chromosome and can be traced back. I’ll give you 1 of many studies, these same studies have been done on Ashkenazi, Mizrahi, & Sephardic Jews... https://t.co/dSFxefjDeE

Jul 16, 2020 · 156 followers View post →
Stefanie Risk
@srisk513 · X

There’s also DNA evidence that Ashkenazi Jews (European) do have Jacobs Y chromosome and can be traced back to 2 of his 4 wives. You’re right, not all do. Jacob was sold as a slave by his brothers. https://t.co/dSFxefjDeE https://t.co/BPx8zOBziG

Jul 16, 2020 · 1 like · 156 followers View post →
ave383
@ave383 · X

@MalanasQueendom DNA evidence has proven that blacks are the original jews. Claiming they aren't is anti-semitic. You really need to educate yourself instead of spreading false information. https://t.co/jr3147OEYV https://t.co/BDiMtTf7RZ

Jul 16, 2020 · 4 likes · 438 followers View post →
ave383
@ave383 · X

@Bonestock3 @LTNYA_ @MalanasQueendom https://t.co/jr3147OEYV

Jul 16, 2020 · 438 followers View post →
ave383
@ave383 · X

@dustinamerica @tariqnasheed "Disputing all DNA evidence" On the contrary. https://t.co/jr3147OEYV https://t.co/Oh5rxwENhq

Jul 16, 2020 · 2 likes · 438 followers View post →
ave383
@ave383 · X

@dustinamerica @rudebwaifender @tariqnasheed Here's a link to the DNA studies of the Lemba tribe of South Africa who have far higher Cohen markers than European jews. Over 50% for the lemba and under 15% for European jews. You've been debunked. https://t.co/jr3147OEYV https://t.co/V2ZzHyw8SS

Jul 16, 2020 · 5 likes · 1 share · 438 followers View post →
sam
@sam84847185 · X

@Almonzer_Jassa @malikbindenar @Full_Moon_014 @Trust37456551 @hanco911 @aboshug11 @abosalem21 @DreamusM @kariri1381 @305K305 @D9x9IEGNnhDVbif @albahthahmed @History99117959 @hhhhhhbbhhbbbb @hariari900 @gmg_o @arabdnaarab @Ttggllq @aaqarni3 @Almogeriii @moner012345 @arznaf1 @DNA_arab_j1 @Vkrpj8TWEmDkKT7 @Fahed19891 @Rt1hB3kTD29BmJ1 @J2Lawyer @salim44780577 @athiest_111 @arab1111arab @insab_arab @mmajedho @alghorebi901 @fB7ooT6WV1CCkTM @J2_DNA_J2 @kwetaid @almass3ari @KushMoha @Faeyz12 @ahmadsalm1412 @qmqmq5 @iArAWbCxNltWsn8 @xxxasy2 @0rbhTx8gQVrxUrU @alwaleed_2006 @hd7ew9wwHmnBa8e @YDNA09094876 @Altamimi_DNA @Gogo97283377 @Nwaf66056231 Y Chromosomes Traveling South: The Cohen Modal Haplotype and the Origins of the Lemba—the “Black Jews of Southern Africa”

Jun 17, 2020 · 15 followers View post →
Rick F
@traumarn69 · X

Y chromosomes traveling south: the cohen modal haplotype and the origins of the Lemba--the "Black Jews of Southern Africa". - PubMed - NCBI https://t.co/uGkemQFzmN

May 3, 2019 · 137 followers View post →