Samaritans
The Samaritans are an ancient ethnoreligious group that has preserved their identity and traditions for millennia. Originating from the tribes of Israel, they consider themselves the true descendants of the ancient Israelites, adhering to their own version of the Torah and worship practices distinct from mainstream Judaism. Samaritanism centers on the belief that Mount Gerizim, near modern Nablus, is the holiest place on Earth, as opposed to the Jewish focus on Jerusalem. This belief is rooted in their version of the Pentateuch, which contains textual differences from the Jewish Torah, highlighting the schism between the two groups that dates back to ancient times.
Historically, the Samaritans experienced periods of prosperity and influence, but their numbers have significantly dwindled due to persecution, forced conversions, and assimilation pressures over the centuries. From a peak population that some sources claim was over a million, their numbers have decreased to just a few hundred individuals today, making them one of the smallest religious communities in the world. The Samaritans have faced challenges from both the Jewish and Christian communities historically, as well as from Muslims during various periods of Islamic rule in the region. Despite these challenges, they have managed to preserve their unique identity, religious practices, and community structure through a combination of isolation, intermarriage within their community, and strict adherence to their religious laws and traditions.
In contemporary times, the Samaritans are split between two main communities: one in Holon, Israel, and the other on Mount Gerizim in the West Bank. They navigate a complex identity, being recognized under Israeli law as a distinct religious community while also holding Israeli citizenship. Some also hold Palestinian citizenship, reflecting their unique position within the Israeli-Palestinian context. Despite their small numbers, the Samaritans continue to practice their ancient rituals, including the Passover sacrifice on Mount Gerizim, and maintain a strict interpretation of their version of the Torah, preserving a way of life that offers a direct link to the ancient past in the modern world.