I have been a frequent advocate of candid discourse and dialogue between Jews and Black Americans in America for decades, long before the inhumane war in Gaza by the Netanyahu government in Israel.
During the Civil Rights Era of America where it was critical and incumbent on both Black and Jewish our collective activism generated historic gains and progress for both our communities.
Of course as a result of my activism and support for a ceasefire in Gaza many of my associates, friends and others in the Jewish diaspora here in America have attacked me with hate, racism and contempt solely because of my criticism of the war in Gaza.
I have been subjected to hateful rhetoric including being a carrier of antisemitism in Black America, this is not the Jewish America tradition I grew up with in America.
Black Americans of course have always encountered such feedback for centuries in America because of our rejection and activism against White Supremacy in America.
In America the overwhelming majority of Jews self identify as White and given this reality it is not a surprise to be unfortunately targeted and on the end of racist attacks of not all but many in Jewish venues in America
The racist and bigoted claims that Antisemitism is a staple and supported overwhelmingly in Black America is a ‘LIE ‘and as I have counseled Black Americans everywhere in America to condemn and reject this hate wherever it surfaces in America including media platforms and publications and even in some Jewish synagogues in America.
There is no parallel historical reality that can compare the hate and violence that Black Americans have encountered and sustained in America to the Jewish experiences of hate and violence in America, this is not only a historical fact but a truth that many Jews refuse to acknowledge.
Our communities cannot evolve and co-exist without candid and honest and integrity driven respect for each other.
As we enter another Trump Era of America both communities are in peril and it is critical that we embrace the narrative of ‘United We Stand’ especially for Black Americans who obviously don’t identify as ‘White’ in a Trump Era.
Greg Thrasher
Director
Plane Ideas
Alternative Think Tank
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