Question:

Hi. My name is Augustine. I stumbled onto a Facebook post that stated, “Johns Hopkins genetic study shows that 97.5% of Judaics, living in Israel, have absolutely no ancient Hebrew DNA. So, therefore are not Semites.

Is this true and if so, what does this mean, as regards to their claims that they have blood rights to Palestinian land? This same study supposedly shows that 80% of Palestinians possess ancient Hebrew DNA. If this is so, what does this mean as regards to their claims? Can Interfaith Library shed some light on this inquiry?

Answer:

The Johns Hopkins genetic study mentioned is not specifically identified based on the search results. However, there are related genetic studies and analyses that provide insights into the genetic ancestry of Jewish and Palestinian populations. According to these studies:

  1. The genetic analysis of Jewish populations has revealed a pattern of shared Near East ancestry, with variable degrees of admixture and introgression from host Diaspora populations. This includes a major, but variable component of shared Near East ancestry, indicating the genetic legacy of ancient Hebrew populations.
  2. Analysis of ancient DNA from Jewish individuals has revealed unexpected genetic subgroups within the Ashkenazi Jewish population, shedding light on medieval genetic diversity. This suggests complex demographic histories and founder events within Jewish communities.
  3. Canaanite DNA analysis has revealed that most Arab and some Jewish groups in the region owe more than half of their DNA to Canaanites and other peoples who inhabited the ancient Near East. This indicates the genetic continuity of ancient populations with modern Arab and Jewish groups in the region.

Based on these findings, it can be inferred that the genetic studies provide insights into the ancestry and genetic makeup of Jewish and Palestinian populations. The presence of ancient Hebrew DNA in Palestinians and the shared genetic ancestry with Canaanites have implications for understanding the historical and genetic connections between these populations.

It’s important to note that genetic studies are just one aspect of a complex historical, cultural, and political context, and their implications should be carefully considered within a broader framework of understanding.

📜📜 👈(Tap: The Scrolls)

🧬🧬 👈(Tap: The DNA)

A Deeper Analysis:

• The genetic closeness between Palestinians and other Middle Eastern groups: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11543891

• The Genomic History of the Bronze Age Southern Levant: https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(20)30487-6

• Philistine ancestry in Palestinians: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6609216

• Philistine ancestry in modern Palestinians: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/334209326_Ancient_DNA_sheds_light_on_the_genetic_origins_of_early_Iron_Age_Philistines

By mabdussalaam

Creator and C.E.O. of Interfaith Library A competent and dedicated educator & theologian, with over 30 years of theological teaching experience as an Imam and spiritual advisor.

One thought on “Ask Interfaith Library!”
  1. Interfaith Library’s explanation of the Judaic and Palestinian ancient Hebrew DNA story provides a simplistic yet profound and informative narrative that sheds light on the historical and genetic aspects of the ownership of the land once known as Canaan.
    From a geneticist’s perspective, the DNA story serves as a powerful tool in uncovering the ancestral origins and migration patterns of populations. By examining the genetic markers and variations present in the Judaic and Palestinian populations, researchers can trace their ancient origins and the historical movements of their ancestors.
    Furthermore, the story told by the ancient Hebrew DNA also carries profound implications for the narrative of rightful land ownership. Through genetic analysis, it becomes possible to uncover the genetic links between contemporary populations and their ancient predecessors, thereby adding a new dimension to the historical and cultural narratives surrounding land ownership and ancestral ties. This genetic narrative can enrich the broader discourse on the rightful ownership of the land once known as Canaan by providing empirical evidence of the enduring genetic legacy of the Judaic and Palestinian peoples in the region.
    Interfaith Library’s explanation of the Judaic and Palestinian ancient Hebrew DNA story offers a compelling and multi-faceted account that integrates genetics, history, and cultural narratives. It serves as a testament to the profound and informative nature of genetic research in elucidating the historical and ancestral connections of populations, and its potential to inform the discourse on land ownership and historical narratives. With that said, well done Interfaith Library. Well done!

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