Cuttim (Samaritans in English) were a group of people settled in the Land of Israel by Sancherev.  They weren't Jewish.  Many were attacked by lions. The people decided that perhaps they should convert to Judaism in order to stop this from attacking.

The Rabbis never knew if they were true converts.  So, for a while, they were considered doubtful Jews.  Then, when the Rabbis went to Har Grizim to see the Cuttim, they discovered them praying to an idol of a dove.  They then realized that the Cuttim were really not Jewish.

Thus, today, Cuttim are considered like any other non-Jewish group.

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