The One West Camps Black Hebrew Israelites (BHI) are terrorizing the New York religious scene. The members of the Black Hebrew Israelites are notorious for their hateful open-air preaching and history of crimes, with some resulting in the deaths of multiple individuals.

This radicalist religion was founded in the 1960s, with multiple schools that have now been rebranded as “camps.” Although its followers consider it a religion, some have branded the group as a philosophy of hate.

Though the religion shares some of its core beliefs with orthodox Judaism, Islam, and Christianity, it believes that the 12 tribes of Israel are made up of multiple African and Latino ethnicities. According to the Black Hebrew Israelites, if you weren’t lucky enough to be born as a descendant of one of these groups, you’re not a child of God.

They claim that the predominantly white races are eternally being punished for their sins of slavery, and have now forever damned their people with no chance of heaven. But this isn’t even the most controversial of their beliefs, as they believe that white people are “agents of Satan,” Jews are “liars and false worshipers of God,” and that “blacks are racially superior and the only truly chosen people.” Leaders and street teachers preach that the LGBTQ community is “demonic and not loved by God.”

These teachings are not only hateful but also go directly against the Bible, according to theologian scholars. The lies they teach are taken out of context and are simply untrue.

Saint Paul’s senior Connor White is absolutely disgusted by their claims. “I honestly just don’t understand how they could twist the words of such a loving and graceful source. My only hope is that they don’t continue their hate for much longer,” stated White.

Although just having radical and incorrect teachings is just the tip of the iceberg with the Black Hebrew Israelites. A significant aspect of the Black Hebrew Israelites’ lifestyle is their schools and street teachings.

Throughout the streets of West New York are Black Hebrew Israelite camps; although there are multiple different schools, they all carry the same ideals. The Israeli School of Universal Practical Knowledge (ISUPK) is the name of the original One West camp in Harlem, New York. They believe that they are the true group, as do many others. The current iteration of ISUPK operates as a non-profit organization in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, and is led by former One Western General Yahanna, also known as John Lightborne. There is a special focus on bringing their ideology to Black communities to end poverty, drug addiction, crime, and other social ills.

Most groups are very similar to ISUPK, only differing slightly in their respective philanthropies, group leaders, and ideals. While this group may seem to be doing some good for the community, their appearance can be deceiving. The ISUPK also sells merchandise, which depicts the term “TRUE HOLOCAUST” with a slave ship drawing inscribed on the shirt.

Another very pertinent school is The Israelite Church of God in Jesus Christ (ICGJC). Maintaining the legacy and activities of the founding Israeli School, the Israelite Church of God in Jesus Christ continues to operate in Harlem, until recently under the leadership of the late Chief High Priest, Jermaine Grant.

The ICGJC is extremely active in preaching and in hate speech. David Anderson and Francine Graham, the perpetrators of the December 10, 2019, attack on a kosher market in Jersey City, New Jersey, had links to ICGJC. Anderson and Graham deliberately targeted the Jewish market, and Anderson posted antisemitic content to social media before the attack, which resulted in the death of three individuals.

Saint Paul’s senior Edward Pope is horrified at their actions. “Someone needs to get these people in check. It is absolutely ridiculous that their beliefs can drive them to commit such acts,” stated Pope.

That’s not all the ICGJC has to offer; their website shows multiple anti-semitic claims, such as “The Jew-ish people are impostors (The suffix ‘ish’ = 1. About; 2. as or like. Example: as a Jew or like a Jew but NOT a ‘Jew’).”

Street teachings are vital in the philosophies of these schools. Street “teachings” are public performances designed to spread their beliefs. They use posters and public speaking to grab attention. While reading Bible passages or texts that support their ideology, street teachers will engage with or antagonize pedestrians, sometimes targeting individuals they see as enemies (white people or Jews).

YouTuber Bryce Crawford, who is an active preacher and debater for Christian beliefs, has had multiple encounters with the Black Hebrew Israelites. Each encounter has resulted in poor etiquette in debating and overall disrespect and ignorance of his arguments. This is a direct reflection of the general attitude in most street debates.

The Black Hebrew Israelites are also known for their violent acts that reflect their hateful teachings and beliefs.

Another group, Israel United in Christ, has been associated with two violent acts and has attempted to distance themselves from the perpetrators. The group formally denounces any suggestion that it is a hate group or advocates violence, but its teachings belie this.

The Black Hebrew Israelite’s’ story is not confined to a corner of New York City or an ideology of a single extremist camp. Across the United States, their ideology has been spread through social media websites, incendiary YouTube channels, and live-broadcast street sermons. Videos of their fights become instantly viral, both due to their quantity and due to the content of their fights.

Law enforcement caught up too. The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) both categorize many BHI camps as hate groups for their thoroughly documented history of racist, homophobic, and antisemitic speech. Officials are careful to note that not all members engage in violence, but that the ideology itself is fertile ground for radicalization.

For many in neighborhoods where BHI groups gather, their presence is both disruptive and unsettling. Street corners that could be spaces for casual conversation or local business often become stages for shouting matches.

At the same time, critics point out that the groups often exploit real frustrations within Black and Latino communities. By speaking out against systemic racism, economic inequality, and government neglect, BHI preachers touch on legitimate issues. The problem, according to theologians and community leaders, is that these concerns are then funneled into a narrative of hate rather than healing.

Pastor Raymond Ellis of Brooklyn addressed this in a recent sermon: “We all know the pain of injustice, but hatred is not the cure. These groups take that pain and weaponize it, turning brother against brother, neighbor against neighbor.”

As of recent, the Black Hebrew Israelites continue to roam the streets of New York and cities alike. When will it end, what can we do, and how can we stop it, are all questions that remain to be answered.

What is clear is that the Black Hebrew Israelites are no longer a fringe curiosity. They are a movement with numbers, a strategy, and, most alarmingly, a track record of violence tied to their teachings. Until communities, policymakers, and faith leaders find effective ways to counter their message, the loud voices of hate on America’s sidewalks will only grow louder.