The Tutsi Link to Sinai

Though he’s comfortably settled in a law practice in Belgium, Matthias Niyonzima’s internal compass still points to two other countries: the African country of Burundi, and the Land of Israel. As his birthplace and the home of his mother and siblings, Burundi still tugs at his heartstrings. As the mythical homeland of the Tutsi people, the Land of Israel still exerts a magical pull for those Tutsis who resisted conversion to Christianity and retained their customs — customs strikingly reminiscent of Judaism. In a riveting interview, Matthias — now known as Matityahu — shares his story with Mishpacha

On a Belgian holiday called Armistice Day, we drive to Brussels to meet Mr. Matthias Niyonzima, or Matityahu Chaim, his more recent name. He lives on a street located in the once very populous area of the “Marolles,” which used to be the poorest and most colorful section of Brussels. Today, the run-down buildings of the past share space with beautiful new buildings. Junky bazaars have made way for shiny and elegant antique stores. Their windows don’t display things that your average Belgian can afford — or would want to have for that matter — but apparently, they have their clientele. Authentic voodoo statues, complete with nails, share space with weird designer furniture. Secondhand vintage stores display eclectic and expensive clothing. A pair of worn-out Chanel shoes is on sale for over a hundred dollars.

We finally reach our destination, Mr. Niyonzima’s law office. His private apartment is located on another floor in the same modern building. Judging by the number of computers, his practice seems to be thriving. For all intents and purposes, it seems a most typical setting for a typical lawyer. But a closer look reveals that not everything is quite so conventional here; the office is decorated with diverse African artifacts — and our gracious host is an observant Jew who traces his roots to the Tutsi tribe of Burundi, Africa.

“Everything Became Clear”

For centuries, the Tutsi tribe was widely regarded as the aristocracy of the African countries of Rwanda and Burundi. The remainder of the population — the Hutu tribe — was seen as lower class. When the Germans and Belgians colonized the area, they singled out the taller and longer-nosed Tutsis as more “European” and therefore naturally fit to serve as the ruling class. Though the tribes got along well before the colonization era, Matityahu remembers growing up with the sense that he was different, and special.