Black Hebrew Israelites (also Black Hebrews, African Hebrew Israelites an Hebrew Israelites) are groups of people of African ancestry situated mostly in the United States who believe they are descendants of the ancient Israelites. They adhere in varying degrees to the religious beliefs and practices of mainstream Judaism. They are not generally accepted as Jews by the greater Jewish community. Many choose to self-identify as Hebrew Israelites or Black Hebrews rather than as Jews.