Genetic evidence links Jews to their ancient tribe

JP ^ | 11/20/2001 | By Judy Siegel

[Sabramerican]

Genetic evidence links Jews to their ancient tribe
By Judy Siegel

JERUSALEM (November 20) - Genetic evidence continues to provide additional proof to the claims that the Jewish people are descended from a common ancient Israelite father: Despite being separated for over 1,000 years, Sephardi Jews of North African origin are genetically indistinguishable from their brethren from Iraq, according to The Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

They also proved that Sephardi Jews are very close genetically to the Jews of Kurdistan, and only slight differences exist between these two groups and Ashkenazi Jews from Europe.

These conclusions are reached in an article published recently in the American Journal of Human Genetics and written by Prof. Ariella Oppenheim of the Hebrew University (HU) and Hadassah-University Hospital in Ein Kerem.

Others involved are German doctoral student Almut Nebel, Dr. Marina Faerman of HU, Dr. Dvora Filon of Hadassah-University Hospital, and other colleagues from Germany and India.

The researchers conducted blood tests of Ashkenazi, Sephardi and Kurdish Jews and examined their Y chromosomes, which are carried only by males. They then compared them with those of various Arab groups - Palestinians, Beduins, Jordanians, Syrians and Lebanese - as well as to non-Arab populations from Transcaucasia - Turks, Armenians and Moslem Kurds.

The study is based on 526 Y chromosomes typed by the Israeli team and additional data on 1,321 individuals from 12 populations. The typing of the Jewish groups was performed at the National Genome Center at HU's Silberman Institute of Life Sciences.

The Fertile Crescent of the Middle East was one of the few centers in which the transition from hunting-gathering to permanent settlement and agriculture took place. Genetic studies suggest that migrating Neolithic farmers dispersed their technological innovations and domesticated animals from the Middle East towards Europe, North Africa and Southwest Asia.

Studies of Y chromosomes have become powerful tools for the investigation of the genetic history of males, since these chromosomes are transmitted from fathers to sons.

Surprisingly, the study shows a closer genetic affinity by Jews to the non-Jewish, non-Arab populations in the northern part of the Middle East than to Arabs. These findings are consistent with known cultural links that existed among populations in the Fertile Crescent in early history, and indicate that the Jews are direct descendants of the early Middle Eastern core populations, which later divided into distinct ethnic groups speaking different languages.

Previous investigations by the HU researchers suggested a common origin for Jewish and non-Jewish populations living in the Middle East. The current study refines and delineates that connection.

It is believed that the majority of today's Jews - not including converts and non-Jews with whom Jews intermarried - descended from the ancient Israelis that lived in the historic Land of Israel until the destruction of the Second Temple and their dispersal into the Diaspora.

The researchers say that a genetic analysis of the chromosomes of Jews from various countries show that there was practically no genetic intermixing between them and the host populations among which they were scattered during their dispersion - whether in Eastern Europe, Spain, Portugal or North Africa.

A particularly intriguing case illustrating this is that of the Kurdish Jews, said to be the descendants of the Ten Tribes of Israel who were exiled in 723 BCE. to the area known today as Kurdistan, located in Northern Iraq, Iran and Eastern Turkey. They continued to live there as a separate entity until their immigration to Israel in the 1950s. The Kurdish Jews of today show a much greater affinity to their fellow Jews elsewhere than to the Kurdish Moslems.

[Lent]

Yes I read about these as well some time ago. I note the Cohen priestly connection in this article minus the pictures:

Jewish Genes & Genealogy

The DNA Chain of Tradition - The Discovery of the "Cohen Gene"

by Rabbi Yaakov Kleiman

Jewish tradition, based on the Torah, is that all Kohanim are direct descendants of Aharon, the original Kohen. The line of the Kohanim is patrilineal: it has been passed from father to son without interruption from Aharon, for 3,300 years, or more than 100 generations.

Dr. Karl Skorecki was attending services one morning. The Torah was removed from the ark and a Kohen was called for the first aliya. The Kohen called up that particular morning was a visitor: a Jew of Sefardic background. His parents were from Morocco. Skorecki also a has a tradition of being a Kohen, though of Ashkenazi background. His parents were born Eastern Europe. Karl (Kalman) Skorecki looked at the Sefardi Kohen's physical features and considered his own physical features. they were significantly different in stature, skin coloration and hair and eye color. Yet both had a tradition of being Kohanim--direct descendants of one man--Aharon HaKohen.

Dr. Skorecki considered, "According to tradition, this Sefardi and I have a common ancestor. Could this line have been maintained since Sinai, and throughout the long exile of the Jewish people?" As a scientist, he wondered, could such a claim be tested?

Being a nephrologist and a top-level researcher at the University of Toronto and the Rambam-Technion Medical Center in Haifa, he was involved in the breakthroughs in molecular genetics which are revolutionizing medicine and the study of the life-sciences. He was also aware of the newly developing application of DNA analysis to the study of history and population diversity.

He considered a hypothesis: if the Kohanim are descendants of one man, they should have a common set of genetic markers--a common haplotype-- that of their common ancestor. In our case, Aharon HaKohen.

A genetic marker is a variation in the nucleotide sequence of the DNA, known as a mutation. Mutations which occur within genes—a part of the DNA which codes for a protein—usually cause a malfunction or disease, and is lost due to selection in succeeding generations. However, mutations found in so-called “non-coding regions” of the DNA tend to persist.

Since the Y chromosome, besides for the genes determining maleness, consists almost entirely of non-coding DNA, it would tend to accumulate mutations. Since it is passed from father to son without recombination, the genetic information on a Y chromosome of a man living today is basically the same as that of his ancient male ancestors, except for the rare mutations that occur along the hereditary line. A combination of these neutral mutations, known as a haplotype, can serve as a genetic signature of a man’s male ancestry. Maternal geneaologies are also being studied by means of the m-DNA (mitrocondrial DNA), which is inherited only from the mother.

Dr. Skorecki then made contact with Professor Michael Hammer, of the University of Arizona, a leading researcher in molecular genetics and a pioneer in Y chromosome research. Professor Hammer uses DNA analysis to study the history of populations, their origins and migrations. His previous research included work on the origins of the Native American Indians and the development of the Japanese people.

A study was undertaken to test the hypothesis. If there were a common ancestor, the Kohanim should have common genetic markers at a higher frequency than the general Jewish population.

In the first study, as reported in the prestigious British science journal, "Nature" (January 2, 1997), 188 Jewish males were asked to contribute some cheek cells from which their DNA was extracted for study. Participants from Israel, England and North America were asked to identify whether they were a Kohen, Levi or Israelite, and to identify their family background.

The results of the analysis of the Y chromosome markers of the Kohanim and non-Kohanim were indeed significant. A particular marker, (YAP-) was detected in 98.5 percent of the Kohanim, and in a significantly lower percentage on non-Kohanim.

In a second study, Dr. Skorecki and associates gathered more DNA samples and expanded their selection of Y chromosome markers. Solidifying their hypothesis of the Kohens' common ancestor, they found that a particular array of six chromosomal markers were found in 97 of the 106 Kohens tested. This collection of markers has come to be known as the Cohen Modal Haplotype (CMH)--the standard genetic signature of the Jewish priestly family. The chances of these findings happening at random is greater than one in 10,000.

The finding of a common set of genetic markers in both Ashkenazi and Sefardi Kohanim worldwide clearly indicates an origin pre-dating the separate development of the two communities around 1000 C.E. Date calculation based on the variation of the mutations among Kohanim today yields a time frame of 106 generations from the ancestral founder of the line, some 3,300 years, the approximate time of the Exodus from Egypt, the lifetime of Aharon HaKohen.

Professor Hammer was recently in Israel for the Jewish Genome Conference. He confirmed that his findings are consistent that over 80 percent of self-identified Kohanim have a common set of markers. The finding that less than one-third of the non-Kohen Jews who were tested possess these markers is not surprising to the geneticists. Jewishness is not defined genetically. Other Y-chromosomes can enter the Jewish gene pool through conversion or through a non-Jewish father. Jewish status is determined by the mother. Tribe membership follows the father’s line.

Calculations based on the high rate of genetic similarity of today’s Kohanim resulted in the highest “paternity- certainty” rate ever recorded in population genetics studies—a scientific testimony to family faithfulness.

Wider genetic studies of diverse present day Jewish communities show a remarkable genetic cohesiveness. Jews from Iran, Iraq, Yemen, North Africa and European Ashkenazim all cluster together with other Semitic groups, with their origin in the Middle East. A common geographical origin can be seen for all mainstream Jewish groups studied.

This genetic research has clearly refuted the once-current libel that the Ashkenazi Jews are not related to the ancient Hebrews, but are descendants of the Kuzar tribe--a pre- 10th century Turko-Asian empire which reportedly converted en masse to Judaism. Researchers compared the DNA signature of the Ashkenazi Jews against those of Turkish-derived people, and found no correspondence.

In their second published paper in "Nature" (July 9,1998) the researchers included an unexpected finding. Those Jews in the study who identified themselves as Levites did not show a common set of markers as did the Kohanim. The Levites clustered in three groupings, one of them the CMH. According to tradition, the Levites should also show a genetic signature from a common patrilineal ancestor.

It is interesting to note that the tribe of Levi has a history of a lack of quantity. The census of BaMidbar shows Levi to be the smallest of the tribes. After the Babylonian exile, the Levites failed to return en masse to Jerusalem, though urged by Ezra HaSofer to do so. They were therefore fined by losing their exclusive rights to maaser. Though statistically, the Levites should be more numerous than Kohanim, today in synagogue, it is not unusual to have a minyan with a surplus of Kohanim and yet lack even one Levite. The researchers are now focusing effort on the study of Levites' genetic make up to learn more about their history in the Diaspora.

Using the CMH as a DNA signature of the ancient Hebrews, researchers are pursuing a hunt for Jewish genes around the world. The search for lost tribes, whether the Biblical 10 Lost Tribes which were uprooted from Eretz Yisrael by the Assyrians, or other would-be Jews, Hebrews or "chosen peoples," is not new. Using the genetic markers of the Kohanim as a yardstick, these genetic archaeologists are using DNA research discover historical links to the Jewish people.

Many individual Kohanim and others have approached the researchers to be tested. The researchers' policy is that the research is not a test of individuals, but an examination of the extended family. Having the CMH is not a proof of one's being a Kohen, for the mother's side is also significant in determining one's Kohanic status. At present, there are no halachic ramifications of this discovery. No one is certified nor disqualified because of their Y chromosome markers.

The research, which began with an idea in shul, has shown a clear genetic relationship amongst Kohanim and their direct lineage from a common ancestor. The research findings support the Torah statements that the line of Aharon will last throughout history. That our Torah tradition is supported by these findings should be a reinforcement for Kohanim and for all those who know that the Torah is truth, and that G-d surely His promises.

May we soon see Kohanim at their service, Levites on their Temple platform and Israelites at their places.

A Blessing Forever

Just as the Kohanim’s lineage spans more than 3,000 years, so does the Blessing which they deliver span Jewish history. Since it’s inception at the inauguration of the Mishkan on Rosh Chodesh Nissan, 2449 CC (equals 1311 BCE), the Blessing of the Kohanim has been recited daily by descendants of Aharon HaKohen somewhere in the world, everyday.

It is a remnant of the Temple service which was never lost. After the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE, the mishmarot—family service groups of Kohanim—kept their tradition of knowing the week of their particular watch at the Temple. From the time of the Babylonian and Persian exile, Jewish communities have included the Birkat Kohanim in their communal service.

Sefardic custom, as written in the Shulchan Aruch, is for the Kohanim to bless the congregation everyday. Following the Rema, the Ashkenazi custom became to perform the Blessing only on holidays. Presently in Eretz Yisrael, following the talmidim of the Vilna Gaon, the custom has been restored to recite the Blessing everyday and twice on Shabbat, Rosh Chodesh and Yom Tov.

 

[muawiyah]

There are clearly Negroid type people in India and throughout South East Asia.

Afrikaaners live at a latitude where "light" skin can be maintained - they are hardly Central Africans.

The vitamin D thing kept human beings from living North of the 30th parallel until they had developed a way to acquire sufficient Vitamin D from a very, very, very extensive fish diet. Eskimos are among those who developed such a diet - including the eating of raw sea mammal livers - a major source of Vitamin D. Quite possibly their darker skinned offspring didn't die in infancy from rickets. As far as Arawaks being lighter than Central Africans, it is suggested that the Arawaks are recent arrivals to their present territory, plus they, like all other persons of predominantly American Indian ancestry, are of mixed European/Indian descent.

Again, there's a lot of this stuff on the net.

[Abcdefg]

Sammy Davis, too?

[Sabramerican]

Being Jewish is by the mother. Being a Cohen is by the father.

If Cohenim took African wives the Cohen gene (which must be some powerful gene) would be there but the descendants would not be considered Jews... by other Jews.

[Sabramerican]

LOL. You make me feel like some kid in school raising his hand to give some quick answer competing with a professor responding to everything with a PhD thesis.

[Marduk]

Well, there is a newer hypothesis that the pigmentation affects the relative sperm count in men and affects the success ratio of pregnancy. Again, I'm still not convinced for the reasons I already gave. Eskimos are darker than Swedes. In fact Eskimos are at least as dark, if not darker than Yemeni Arabs. I think the cause of light skin may be related to cause of light eyes and light hair. And light eyes or hair certainly have nothing to do with bodily absorption of vitamin D.

"The vitamin D thing kept human beings from living North of the 30th parallel until they had developed a way to acquire sufficient Vitamin D from a very, very, very extensive fish diet."

Fine, let's look at somebody else. The descendants of the Spaniards and other Europeans in the tropics in places like Cuba, Puerto Rico, Mexico or Peru have lived there for as long as 500 years. They have maintained their light skin.

[Marduk]

"If Cohenim took African wives the Cohen gene (which must be some powerful gene) would be there but the descendants would not be considered Jews... by other Jews."

If what you say is true then you are saying that Jews do not admit converts? For example, if I decided to convert to Judaism I would never be accepted as a real Jew?

What if a Cohen Jew married a black African woman. And then his son married a black woman and then his son married a black woman and this one's son married a black woman. But then suppose that this last one's son married a Jewish woman with pure Jewish lineage... It's a little convoluted but you could get an individual with the Cohen gene with a direct Jewish line on the mother's side that had a lot of non-Jewish ancestors and who physically looked Negroid.

[Sabramerican]

I said nothing of the kind. In this case of the Africans, with the gene of Cohanim, there is no proof, that I know of, that the women converted.

[Marduk]

"I said nothing of the kind. In this case of the Africans, with the gene of Cohanim, there is no proof, that I know of, that the women converted."

What are you trying to say? Are you saying that maybe they didn't convert?

[Sabramerican]

The rebuttable presumption is that they did not convert. Do you have a reasonable reason to believe otherwise?

[Marduk]

"The rebuttable presumption is that they did not convert. Do you have a reasonable reason to believe otherwise?"

If the women did not convert then that would tend to imply that the Lemba Jews are of Jewish ancestry through both the maternal and paternal lines. If so then this has to be reconciled with the claim that the Ashkenazic Jews are pure on both the maternal and paternal lines. The Lemba and the Ashkenazim cannot both be 100% pure genetic Jews on both the maternal and paternal lines.

I think the case of the Lemba serves to prove my case that there has been mixing among Jewish populations in general. The Lemba have the highest degree of purity in the Cohen priestly gene. If blacks can have the highest degree of purity in this priestly Y-chromosome gene then I can see no other possible choice but to conclude that there actually has been quite a bit of mixing between Jews and the people amongst which they live with the end result that Jews tend to resemble the populations amongst which they live. If Jewish immigrants mixed with blacks in Africa so as to produce a population of Negroid Jews then surely a similar process may also have happened in Europe and elsewhere. At the same time, the genetic evidence shows that Jews also do have some genetic commonalities among them. But there also has been mixing.

[Citizen of the Savage Nation]

Excellent info, though I'm puzzled by this statement:

A particularly intriguing case illustrating this is that of the Kurdish Jews, said to be the descendants of the Ten Tribes of Israel who were exiled in 723 BCE.

They were either descendents of the northern Ten Tribes (Israel) or the southern kingdom (Judea) by Judah or Benjamin, and hence, Jews.

[Sabramerican]

would tend to imply that the Lemba Jews are of Jewish ancestry through both the maternal and paternal lines.

I have no idea to what you are referring. If we are speaking of the same group, all I heard is that they have the gene of the Cohanim.

I have written above, that it is possible that there are people all over who are of Jewish decent and don't even know of their ancestors. I would guess there would be many such types from Spanish and Italian backgrounds. That is not the issue. If those people find that they are Jews and want to identify with the Jewish people, they are welcome.

The issue is the direct decent of today's Jews from their distant ancestors.

[medved]

Think the Khazar BS is over?

It ain't bullshit, but it ain't what the arabs claim it is either. There is major evidence to support the theory that the Khazars were remnants of the ten tribes carried off by the Assyrians.

[Sabramerican]

The study seems to go back to before the separation to a "common ancient Israelite father".

[Sabramerican]

That's not the theory. It's that the Khazar are totally foreign to ancient Israel but are late converts. The claim being- refuted here and elsewhere- that therefore Jews are not really Jews.

[Marduk]

I think we are misunderstanding each other.

What I am saying is that the Lemba and the Ashkenazim cannot both be 100% pure Jews. What is your answer to that? Are you saying that the Lemba are not really Jews because their maternal line is not Jewish? What is your answer to this question that I raise?

[Sabramerican]

100% pure Jews

Assumimg you're a male, you can have a child who is "100% pure Jewish": if you define Jewish as being fully accepted as a Jew in a minyan (prayer service) or for any other reason by other Jews.

The issue here, again, is not who is Jewish. The issue is whether I, or other Jews,are direct descendants of the Jews you read about in the Bible.

[Marduk]

"There is major evidence to support the theory that the Khazars were remnants of the ten tribes carried off by the Assyrians."

This is not exactly the Khazar claim. The Khazar claim is that about the year 1,000 there were a Turkic-Slavic people living in what is now south Russia. They were pagans. Their king decided he wanted a monotheistic religion. He invited a Muslim, a Jew and Christian to try to chose one of them. Supposedly, in the end, he chose Judaism by sort of throwing the dice. Supposedly then the people had to convert to Judaism. Supposedly some Jewish men also went to live among the Khazars and intermarried. The claim then is that the Ashkenazim are descended from the Khazars.

[hsszionist]

The people of Judah did not migrate, they were exiled from Judea not Palestine after being defeated by Babylon. After being defeated by Rome during the Bar Kochaba revolt(around 750 years later) all Jews were expelled from Judea and Rome renamed the area Palestine. They also renamed Jerusalem, but the name never took.