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Ha'aretz Resurrects the Theory of Khazar Roots of European Jewry

(Israel Hayom) Dore Gold - Every few years the theory is advanced that the Jews of Europe are actually descendants of the Khazar Kingdom, a mostly Turkish people whose king and nobility converted to Judaism in the early 8th century, allowing them to become a buffer state between Islam and Christendom. Last Friday, Ha'aretz again revived the Khazar theory when it showcased the work of Dr. Eran Elhaik, who claimed that based on genetic research: "the rise of European Jewry is therefore explained by the contribution of the Judeo-Khazars." What do historians have to say about the Khazar theory of the origins of European Jewry? Professor D.M. Dunlop of Columbia University was the most authoritative historian of the Khazar Kingdom. In his book The History of the Jewish Khazars, he explains that there is "little evidence" to substantiate the theory that after their defeat in 965, the Khazars sought refuge in Eastern Europe and became the basis of European Jewry. Despite all the evidence to the contrary, the advocates of the theory have persisted. In many cases over the last few decades, it appears that they are motivated mainly by a hostile political agenda which aims to advance the delegitimization of the Jewish state. The writer, a former Israeli ambassador to the UN, is president of the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs.
2012-12-28 00:00:00
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