For the Bible states in the book of Matthew 24:6–7, “And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against Kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.” It was this Biblical structure that kept replaying in my mind as I was on the plane to Israel this past April.
I could honestly say—even though I felt compelled to make the trip— that I did not fully understand what was to come of it. See, for this trip was outwardly a trip to check on our Black brothers and sisters in Dimona, Israel, a group of Black Americans who identify as true children of the Bible who left America in the 1960s to start their own nation, whose lives had been completely upended by recent ballistic missile attacks as a result of the war between Israel and Iran. A war and its effects that leveled homes and buildings, leaving massive destruction in its wake. This destruction, after watching it like the rest of the world outside of Israel, moved me to action.
However, inwardly, something else was happening to me; the desire to finally see if I had what it took to be a man, in this case, the man who could help my people. To be the man, I knew my father was — a warrior of Allah (God) for his people. And so, fear was a luxury I could not afford.
Once I finally arrived in Dimona, and after being greeted by my people and listening to their concerns, mainly troubling statements about the negative effects of this horrific experience, both physically and mentally. It all came clear. It was clear because I had been prepared, I had the balm that would heal the people affected by this war, and that medicine was the teachings of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad.
Although I knew this was the key to unlocking the chains of mental anguish among our people, I felt I had to present it in a way that would make it more digestible for our brothers and sisters; at least they thought I was there to convert them. But the teaching need not be changed or altered in any way, for it is a universal teaching meant for the Black man wherever we find ourselves on this planet. So, as the words of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad flowed from my lips, I could see his knowledge take root, transforming the energy and disposition of our people almost at once.
Upon my departure, the trip deepened my connection with our brothers and sisters in Dimona because they knew I cared and could help. The strength and care I displayed were a direct result of the teachings of Messenger Elijah Muhammad. This experience put to rest the inner concerns that had persisted before my arrival in Israel, namely whether I had what it would take. The answer is yes, as long as I hold on to the Messenger and his teachings.
Let me say this in closing. As a member of CROE for over a decade, I can say I would not be the man I am today without this organization and its teachings. It has kept me in a constant pursuit of selfrefinement and improvement, pushing me to perceive limits only to realize they don’t exist. I implore you, the reader, to learn more about yourself and your real potential by getting acquainted with the teachings of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad.