Jewish people originate from the ancient Israelites and Hebrews of historical Israel and Judah in the Levant region, particularly in Canaan, an area roughly corresponding to modern Israel, the Palestinian Territories, Jordan, and Lebanon. The Jewish identity traces back to Biblical patriarchs such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who lived in Canaan. The Israelites migrated to Egypt and were later led out of slavery, returning to Canaan, which became their ancestral homeland. Over time, Jewish people maintained a continuous cultural and religious identity tied to this region despite subsequent dispersal and migrations across the world.
Today, the majority of Jewish people live in Israel and the United States, with diverse origins including Middle Eastern, North African, and European (Ashkenazi) backgrounds, reflecting centuries of migration and diaspora.
Historical Origins
- The Israelites were a confederation of Semitic tribes in ancient Canaan.
- The Kingdom of Judah formed the southern Israelite state from which modern Jews derive their name.
- Jewish history and identity include the Exodus, the giving of the Torah, and long-standing ties to the land of Israel.
Modern Distribution and Heritage
- More than 85% of the world's Jewish population lives in Israel and the U.S.
- Israeli Jews consist of diverse ancestral lines: Mizrahi (Middle Eastern/North African), Ashkenazi (European), mixed heritage, and Ethiopian Jews.
- Jewish cultural and religious traditions have persisted for over 3,500 years, rooted in ancient Near Eastern history and evolving through diasporas.
Thus, Jewish people originally come from the ancient Near East, specifically the land of Israel and surrounding areas, and their identity has been shaped by a deep historical and religious connection to this region combined with centuries of global migration.
