Re: Black and Jewish Activists Have Allied for Decades. What Now?
To the Editor:
The attempt by Jewish Voice for Peace and IfNotNow to conflate the Palestinian struggle with that of the civil rights movement in the U.S. is disingenuous and offensive. Let’s be clear: The Israeli-Palestinian crisis is complicated and there are few historic parallels to what’s happening in Israel and Gaza in the aftermath of the horrific Hamas massacre on Oct. 7. Equally unique and without parallels is the Black struggle for civil rights in America. From the long shadow of slavery and Jim Crow laws to current inequalities in society borne of racism and hatred, the experience of Black Americans is simply without comparison in history. Whatever one’s views on either of these complicated issues, it does a terrible disservice to both by falsely conflating them.
The article likewise ignores important work currently underway between mainstream Jewish groups and Black organizations, as we struggle together side by side to counter racism and antisemitism. For those of us on the frontlines against hate, there is absolutely no conflict between advocating for the civil rights of Black Americans and standing up in defense of the Jewish people.
Jonathan Greenblatt, C.E.O. and National Director, Anti-Defamation League