'It was like fan fiction': The strange story behind Fiji's origin myth

The story of Fiji's origin has been passed down through generations, with one version describing a great double-hulled canoe called the Kaunitoni traveling from Thebes in ancient Egypt across the Indian Ocean to Fiji. The canoe was said to carry the sacred box containing the written laws and genealogies of the people, which was lost at sea.

For many years, this tale was widely taught in schools and radio programs, becoming a cornerstone of Fijian identity. However, recent research suggests that much of this origin myth was created in the 1890s by a Fijian-language newspaper as part of a reader's competition. The belief that Fijians are descended from a Lost Tribe of Israel has no scientific backing but has fostered a unique connection between Fiji and Israel.

Some communities in Fiji believe that their ancestors are descendants of a Lost Tribe of Israel, an idea that has roots in Christian traditions and has been reinforced by the prevalence of Methodism in the country. This belief has since spread to other Pacific Island nations, influencing their politics and foreign relations, as seen with Fiji's decision to open an embassy in Jerusalem.