Genetic study scientifically disproves bizarre notion gaining ground in pro-jihadist circles
The study, which was conducted primarily to further medical knowledge of genetic diseases, rejected a highly controversial idea that Ashkenazi Jews are descended from Khazars in eastern Europe who converted to Judaism — an idea that has recently been used in an attempt to discredit the idea that Jews belong in Israel because it is their historic homeland.
The study shows that there is “clearly a shared genetic common ancestry among geographically diverse populations consistent with oral tradition and culture … and that traces back to the Middle East,” said geneticist Sarah A. Tishkoff of the University of Pennsylvania. “Jews have assimilated to some extent, but they clearly retain their common ancestry.”