The Past & Future of Black-Jewish Relations

Key Findings:

Jews participated in the fight for Civil Rights in America though they were scarcely affected by its ramifications. They viewed the Black cause as their own and rallied behind it. Numerous Jews served as the role of president in the NAACP, and helped found the organization in 1909. The author goes on to list several Jewish people who have devoted themselves to influential Black causes throughout American history. 

Though they exist, there are fewer examples of Black leaders who have rallied behind Jewish causes, and a greater rate of hostility towards Jews from prominent Black figures.  The author cites Malcolm X, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Stokely Carmichael, Louis Farrakhan, & Tamika Mallory as examples. 

 “Anti-black racism is far from unknown among Jews, but it has almost never emanated from prominent voices. In contrast, some of the most celebrated black figures have unapologetically vented anti-Jewish sentiments.”

The author argues that in order to secure a promising future between Black and Jewish relations, the alliance between them must be mutual.

In the conclusion of the article, the author goes on to suggest what Jews should look for in Black leadership in America: A commitment to the fight against antisemitism and the fight against anti-Israel rhetoric (on college campuses and also within American politics), as well as the two timely topics of “antiracism” and The 1619 Project, which, according to the author, contain elements that are at risk of causing a further divide in Black-Jewish relations.