NEW  YORK, United States — It has been 40 years since the 12 Tribes of Israel set up headquarters here, a period when many Jamaicans migrated to the Big Apple in search of a better life.

For two days this week, the Rastafarian organisation celebrated the landmark with events at ‘HQ’ and Royal Chateau Hall, both in Queens, New York.

According to Leighton ‘Jimmy Judah’ Wilson, overseer of the 12 Tribes of Israel New York chapter, it was an emotional homecoming.

“It was a joy to see the love and unity. There were people who hadn’t seen each other for years,” said Wilson.

Members came from Atlanta, Baltimore, California and Miami for the occasion which attracted elders and a new generation of ‘Israelites’.

Desmond Martin, a longstanding 12 Tribes member, came in from Ethiopia where he lives.

Upcoming artistes from the organisation performed on Monday’s show at HQ. 12 Tribes stalwart Sangie Davis and rocksteady great Leroy Sibbles performed the following evening at the Royal Chateau Hall function.

Wilson, 64, was born in Kingston. He played Manning Cup football and was an athlete at Calabar High School.

An economist, he migrated to the United States in 1972 and has been a member of the 12 Tribes of Israel New York since its inception.

The 12 Tribes of Israel was formed in 1968 in Trench Town by Vernon ‘Prophet Gad’ Carrington. It had a massive following during the 1970s when its high-profile membership included reggae star Bob Marley and footballer Alan ‘Skill’ Cole.

The New York chapter, which has over 1,000 members, is one of the organisation’s 17 offices worldwide.

Howard Campbell