Study: Jews Closely Linked by Genes

Even when they are separated by thousands of miles, Jews of European descent are still closer genetically than they are to their non-Jewish neighbors next door. According to a new large-scale study of 655 individuals, Ashkenazi Jews, whose ancestors came from Europe, are all as close genetically as fourth or fifth cousins. Still, the difference, explained by centuries of cultural and physical separation, is not significant enough for them to be considered a separate race. The findings were able to dismiss the controversial claim—used to undercut the case for a Jewish homeland in Israel—that Ashkenazi Jews came from Khazars in Eastern Europe who converted to Judaism.