Liberalism and the Common Calling of the Blacks and Jews

Key Findings:

This essay evaluates the current relationship between black and Jewish communities in America, and suggests the two should work together to dismantle racism for a better America. The author’s main argument is that this alliance should be nurtured due to the common ground the black community and the Jewish community share in existing in an unjust environment. The mutual desire to make life in it better will result in victory for both groups.

Burton begins with a brief history of Black-Jewish relations. Though tensions have risen in recent times, Burton emphasizes that both communities have been solid allies for one another. He references BASIC’s work (the Black Americans in Support of Israel Committee American) in standing against the UN’s “Zionism = Racism” declaration of 1975. When asked why BASIC chose to do so, their chairman told the New York Times “Jewish Americans supported us, marched with us and died for the cause of racial freedom. Black people cannot turn their backs on a friend.”

Today, because the relationship between both of these communities has become more tense and delicate, the author states their history tends to be overlooked. He warns that both groups often simplify this relationship by over-romanticizing similarities or overemphasizing differences. He acknowledges that both parties have leaders who have spoken ill of each other, but that both communities should not lose sight of their past and what they have in common: “we also must not ignore the day-to-day community-relations work in cities across America, the persistent solidarity Black leaders demonstrate with Jewish communities, the ongoing and mutual willingness to learn and grow together.” 

Burton concludes by urging the Jewish community to do their part in strengthening this relationship. He asks them to remember two important notions:

(1) Fighting for the Jewish community and fighting for Black civil rights is not mutually exclusive.

(2) ‘The American liberal project’ (the opportunity to make a good life for oneself by working hard), is what both communities are after. Therefore, both groups should aim to make this project more attainable for all— not by condemning the institutions that make it possible, but by leveraging them instead.