The Samaritans are a religious and ethnic group who are considered to be descendents of the twelve tribes from Israel. The Samaritans' current population is 750 (the majority of whom are men), separated by its sacred Mount Gerizim near to the city of Nablus, Palestine and Holon near to Tel Aviv. During the course of history, there have been many reasons why the Samaritan community has continued to reduce to such a degree that at the start of the 20th century they were on the edge of extinction. They are currently fighting for survival and to maintain their old traditions. A clear example of this is the celebration of Yom Kippur where all the community meet at the foothills of the sacred Mount Gerizim to pray at the sinagogue including 24 hours of prayers, fasting and a ban on the use of modern technology. The men pray and the women help. This celebration, known as the day of pardon and repentance, starts at 7 pm and concludes at 7 pm the following day. After finishing the day and returning to daily life, the Samaritans adorn their houses with a type of cottage decorated with fruit and multi-coloured lights. It is called Sucá.
One of the Samaritan priests waiting at his house. In a few minutes he will...READ ON
One of the Samaritan priests waiting at his house. In a few minutes he will go to the synagogue to pray. Yom Kippur day.
Mount Gerizim, is one of the two mountains in the immediate vicinity of the...READ ON
Mount Gerizim, is one of the two mountains in the immediate vicinity of the West Bank city of Nablus. The mountain is sacred to the Samaritans who regard it, rather than Jerusalem's Temple Mount, as having been the location chosen by God for a holy temple. A Samaritan village, Kiryat Luza, and an Israeli settlement, Har Brakha, are situated on the mountain ridge.
Before the beginning of Yom Kippur day at the Synagogue, the main street is full of people.
Children playing in the street before going to the synagogue to pray.
A child reading the Samaritan Torah while an adult prays inside the synagogue.
Samaritans inside the sinagogue.
A boy runs to the synagogue, the Yom Kippur festivity begins...
On Yom Kippur the entrance to the synagogue is decorated with colored lights.
A woman inside the synagogue.
Abood Cohen, young Samaritan editing a documentary video about the...READ ON
Abood Cohen, young Samaritan editing a documentary video about the Samaritan community at home.
Abood Cohen, praying at home before going to the synagogue.
A man walking towards the synagogue.
A woman with her daughter inside the synagogue.
The main Samaritan priest and his wife at home.
Typical door of Samaritan house.
A child waiting for his mother in the middle of the road.
Yom Kippur day is finishing. Two girls with candies in their...READ ON
Yom Kippur day is finishing. Two girls with candies in their hands are waiting for the end of the fast at the synagogue.
After Yom Kippur day, the Samaritans adorn their houses wit a type of...READ ON
After Yom Kippur day, the Samaritans adorn their houses wit a type of cottage decorated with fruit and coloured lights.It is called Sucá.
Samaritan Sucá.
Views of Nablus city from Kiryat Luza, Samaritan small village.
THE LAST SAMARITANS The Samaritans are a religious and ethnic group who are considered to be descendents of the twelve tribes from Israel. The Samaritans' current population is 750 (the majority of whom are men), separated by its ...
Ura Iturralde photographer
A basque female photographer dedicated to investigate minorities around the world