JCRC Update: Bridging Divides: Black-Jewish Solidarity in the Face of Rising Tensions

Reports and articles detailing disturbing and frightening incidents of stress, hostility and in some cases violence between Black and Jewish communities in New York have been in the news for some time.  These tensions reached a boiling point in the aftermath of the October 7 attacks. A new documentary, All God’s Children, was produced to explore the racism and antisemitism underlying this situation. It attempts to heal some of the hurt, tension and division resulting from this unprecedented level of animosity. 

The documentary is described this way: 

“In an unprecedented attempt to heal centuries of racism and antisemitism and combat the rising racial and ethnic tension in their Brooklyn communities, the largest reform synagogue and the oldest black Baptist Church attempt to unite their congregations and bring about peace, by becoming family. Shot over five years by acclaimed documentary filmmaker Ondi Timoner, ALL GOD'S CHILDREN follows her sister, activist Rabbi Rachel Timoner, and her Congregation Beth Elohim's partnership with Reverend Dr Robert Waterman of Antioch Baptist Church as their faith is put to the test, and both congregations struggle not to let their differences drive them apart. Though it's a fraught partnership, they refuse to walk away, no matter how hard it gets, and ultimately emerge with an inspiring model for how other communities might build bridges across religious, economic and class divides to foster enduring, powerful partnerships.” 

The work of developing and securing relationships across differences is challenging, but essential to the work of addressing antisemitism. On a local level, we endeavor to build and maintain the connections between different communities based on joint interests, and these personal and positive relationships are a key component of being proactive rather than reactive in combatting antisemitism. We are far less likely to hate, distrust, or attack those with whom we have a personal connection, and having an open relationship is critical to forging the critical, and sometimes challenging, conversations that are necessary to creating an environment of respect and trust. 

 Last year, we partnered with Urban League of Middle Tennessee to highlight and celebrate an exhibit at the Tennessee State Museum: Building a Bright Future: Rosenwald Schools in Tennessee. The Rosenwald Schools were a collaboration between the Jewish businessman, Julius Rosenwald, and the Black educator, Booker T. Washington. Together these gentlemen created over 5000 schools across the south to provide opportunities for Black academic excellence during a time when many Black children has not access to education. Many of these students went on to become leaders of the Civil Rights movement. 

The friendship and partnership of Black and Jewish leaders, like that between Dr. Martin Luther King and Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, has become ancient history in some circles, and for some, especially young people in these communities, it is all but forgotten with little left to remind people of the common bonds and common interests these groups once shared. While many have been hurt or disappointed in each other, now is not the time to turn away from these relationships but rather a time to commit to the difficult, but urgent task of forging they relationships that will guide us towards creating a local community of mutual respect which is the foundation of our safety and security.  

January provides a valuable opportunity to highlight these relationships, and a way to physically stand together in honor and memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, and the way he used physical action through peaceful marches to further his cause. The photos of Rabbi Heschel and Dr. King on the front lines of these marches can be both a reminder and inspiration for rebuilding and strengthening the bonds of our communities.   

Dr. Martin Luther King Day will be celebrated on January 20, and JCRC will sponsor transportation for members of our community interested in participating in the march and convocation. Transportation will leave from Gordon JCC and Elmington Park.    

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JCRC December Activity: 

• JCRC provided guidance and resources for students, families and administrators at three different private schools in Nashville dealing with incidents of antisemitism 

• JCRC is a member of the Hate Crime Working Group convened by State Senator Mark Pody, to propose state legislation to address issues of antisemitism and other hate crimes.  Once this proposed legislation is finalized, we will advocate for its successful passage. 

• JCRC continues to work in an ongoing partnership with Mayor O’Connell and Metro Council to address antisemitism in our city.   

• JCRC assisted in working with the Predators organization on Jewish Community Night with the Preds.  In its second year this program shines a light on our local Jewish community during a Predators game.  This year, Cantor Josh Goldberg, Congregation Micah, sang the national anthem and Cantor Tracy Fishbein entertained during the pre-game party and she and Deborah Oleshansky served as Fan Captains during the game.