Finding Allies in the Fight

Key Findings:

This interview includes the perspective of two allies in the fight against antisemitism who represent two other marginalized communities. Darius Jones represents the black community in America and is fighting to bring the Jewish and black communities together in an increasingly divided climate. Lord John Mann represents an all-white working-class community and is working to dismantle structural antisemitism in the UK. 

Darius Jones cites his parents as an influence on his work, as they were both very involved in the Civil Rights movement. He states that much of the success of this movement was due to the support of the Jewish community, and so, paying that back by strengthening the ties between both communities was a natural thing to do. 

Lord John Mann states that he grew up around many Jewish people, so when he was asked by the Jewish community to help in the fight against prejudice, it was also a natural route for him. He expands on this point, stating that just as he fights for middle-class workers by identifying concrete solutions, the same approach must be taken for the Jewish community, by employing strategy and action. 

The interviewees then expand on how both of the communities they represent perceive antisemitism, often viewing it as a less serious form of racism. Jones explains that there is a lot of confusion within the black community about whether being Jewish is a race, religion, culture or ethnicity. As a result, tropes anchored in exaggerated perceptions of privilege and power lead to inaction towards antisemitism. 

Mann answers by stating that racism towards Jews in many ways is more complicated, and thus, more difficult to comprehend by his community. This is also due to the added political element of the topic of Israel, and because “Jews don’t look different” (relative to other races). He states that this racism can often go unseen, and prevail for this very reason. He also states that if it is not acknowledged, it cannot be dismantled— this acknowledgment is something his community still needs to do and states this as a large part of his work. 

The interview concludes with the question: 

“What should Jews do that we aren’t doing?” 

Both Jones and Mann responded similarly— Jewish leaders should strengthen ties with leaders from other minority communities to find more innovative approaches to dismantling the challenges they all face.