Really? There were 12 tribes, but only 10 were exiled - how else would there have been any continuity of the Jewish religion and culture if they were ALL lost?
And what relationship could they possibly have with the apostles of 7 centuries in the future?
No disrespect, but please read a bit more.
I guess that makes sense. It’s why I asked your id since you seem to have the most informed replies.
Even among the 8 Lost Tribes, their fate is decidedly unsexy. Large numbers became the Samaritans, others became the Kurdish and Bukharian Jews (who have traditions of being from the so-called Lost Tribes), and most just assimilated.
The Ethiopian Jews almost certainly descend from a mix of Jews and early Jewish converts. The so-called Bnei Menashe have no genetic or historical connection to Israel (and had no tradition of being so until 50 years ago), but are of course welcome to convert.