(Jewish Group) Are Jewish Institutions Fighting Racism Wrong?

[Behind the Aegis]

(THIS IS THE JEWISH GROUP! RESPECT!!)

In recent weeks, I’ve been delighted to see the many strides American communities, particularly Jewish ones, have been making to fight racism. There have been countless events, forums and Zoom calls during which we’re having difficult conversations about the discrimination that people of color experience.

I noticed Hillel was sponsoring a “Racial Justice Learn In,” a day devoted to introspection for the Jewish community around race. Given that Hillel has such wide reach among Jewish youth, I was excited to see it “building a big, wide tent for this gathering, as we come together to confront white supremacy, learn from many JOC teachers, and hold up the diversity of our Jewish community.” This event was sponsored by major institutions, mainly the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation, and others, including the Jewish Multiracial Network, Jewish Women’s Archive, Jews of Color Initiative, Keshet, Moishe House, T’ruah, and National Council of Jewish Women.

Then I scrolled down to the speakers’ list. I could not find a single Mizrahi Jew. Not one.

It was truly disappointing to see Asian Jews, Black Jews and even people who do not identify as Jews of color lead panels about racism, while not a single Jew from the Middle East or North Africa was offered the same opportunity.

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Interesting concerns about the diversity within the Jewish community at-large.