Understanding the Complex Relationship Between the Jewish and African American Communities

By Barrett Holman Leak

Historical Context

In recent years, many Jewish friends and acquaintances have expressed that they prioritize combating antisemitism over fostering connections with the African American community. This sentiment is often accompanied by personal anecdotes about how they have contributed to racial justice efforts, followed by a definitive declaration of being “done.” For those of us living within the intersection of these experiences, such sentiments can be both disappointing and disheartening. It’s important we explore this relationship more deeply.

Insights from Black Power, Jewish Politics

One significant resource that sheds light on this complex history is Black Power, Jewish Politics, authored by historian Marc Dollinger. This work, enhanced by an afterward from Ilana Kaufman—CEO of the Jews of Color Initiative—offers a revised perspective on the Jewish community’s involvement in the Civil Rights Movement and the subsequent distancing from African American issues.

The Shift from Ally to Observer

Historically, the Jewish community played a pivotal role in civil rights advocacy; however, Dollinger posits that this active participation has waned since the 1950s. Rather than simply being pushed out by radical Black activists, Jews made conscious choices to prioritize their ethnic identity and newfound status over ongoing commitments to racial justice.

Key Areas of Withdrawal

Complicity in “White Flight” and Segregation

One of the most striking points Dollinger raises is the post-WWII trend of Jewish suburbanization. Benefiting from government programs like the GI Bill and FHA loans, many Jewish families moved to predominantly White suburbs. This transition was not merely a change of scenery but an act of abandonment toward urban Black communities—the very communities they had once vowed to support.

• Suburbanization as Abandonment: The systemic exclusion of Black individuals from these housing programs facilitated a broader pattern of segregation, resulting in the economic and social distancing of Jewish families from their Black counterparts.

• The “White” Pass: Over time, Jews began to be accepted in the American racial hierarchy as “White,” allowing them access to privileges that coincided with systemic racism, without acknowledging the barriers faced by African Americans.

Opposition to Affirmative Action

Dollinger also critiques the shift within the Jewish community from advocating for civil rights to opposing specific mechanisms like affirmative action.

• Myth of Meritocracy: Many within the Jewish community attribute their success solely to individual effort, often overlooking the privileges that enabled their upward mobility. This narrow view can lead to judgment against African Americans, framing them as less successful without considering the profound structural disadvantages they continue to face.

• Protecting Status over Equity: When Black activists sought group-based rights, Jewish organizations largely retreated to advocating for individual rights, driven by fears that their own children’s access to opportunities might be compromised.

The “Inward Turn”

Dollinger suggests a significant cultural shift occurred within the Jewish community in response to the Black Power movement. This shift led to a focus on particularist causes over broader social issues.

• Shift in Resources: Inspired by Black pride, resources and energies were redirected toward Jewish-specific initiatives like Free Soviet Jewry and Zionism, particularly after pivotal events such as the Six-Day War.

• Abandoning the Domestic Front: This cultural revival fostered a retreat from advocating for racial justice at home, as Jewish identity became paramount, overshadowing wider societal issues.

Paternalism in Black Leadership

Another critical aspect of the fractured alliance between Jews and African Americans is the discomfort many Jewish leaders felt about relinquishing control to Black leaders.

• Loss of Control: Traditionally, Jewish activists felt comfortable in leadership roles within civil rights movements. However, when demands for self-determination emerged from African American communities, some Jewish leaders perceived a betrayal, choosing withdrawal over adaptation.

• Ocean Hill-Brownsville Incident: Examples like the NYC teachers’ strike in 1968 reveal how some Jewish leaders interpreted Black advocacy as antisemitism, which obscured valid grievances over educational inequities and community control.

Erasure of Jews of Color

Dollinger’s reflections reveal a critical gap in how Jewish history has often marginalized the contributions and identities of Jews of color.

• Reinforcing the Binary: By framing tensions as a binary battle between Blacks and Jews, this perspective fails to recognize the existence of Jews of color and the unique experiences they face, perpetuating an inaccurate narration of racial dynamics.

Ongoing Conversations

The themes articulated by Dollinger resonate within current dialogues about race, privilege, and identity. As these discussions continue, they challenge us to reconsider our understanding of solidarity, community, and shared struggles in the fight against systemic oppression.

For those interested in deeper insights, a conversation with Dollinger and Kaufman offers further context on these topics. The book is available online, providing readers a chance to engage with these critical issues on a personal level.

What are your thoughts? How can we mend these historic rifts and foster genuine alliances in the future?

Barrett Holman Leak is a Black Jewish freelance writer based in San Diego.