Jews originate from the ancient Israelites, a confederation of Semitic- speaking tribes that lived in the region of Canaan, roughly corresponding to modern-day Israel, the Palestinian territories, Jordan, and Lebanon. According to historical and biblical narratives, Jewish history begins with patriarchs such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (who was later named Israel). Their descendants, the Twelve Tribes, migrated to Egypt and were later enslaved until the Exodus led by Moses. Afterward, they returned to and conquered Canaan. This ancient Israelite identity formed the ethnic and religious foundation of the Jewish people, linked to the Kingdoms of Israel and Judah in the Iron Age.
Genetic studies also show that while Jews have Middle Eastern origins, there has been significant interaction and mixing with various populations over centuries, including European populations, particularly among Ashkenazi Jews. Nonetheless, the core of Jewish ancestry traces back to these ancient Israelite roots in the Levant.
Thus, Jewish people originated in the ancient Near East region of Canaan/Israel and are historically connected to the Israelites who lived there. Their identity is entwined with cultural, religious, and genetic ties to that land and its peoples from several thousand years ago.
