The Role of the Jewish Community in The Civil Rights Movement”

Throughout history, the Jewish community has played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement. Did you know that:

• Jewish activists represented a disproportionate number of whites involved in the struggle?
• Jews made up half of the young people who participated in the Mississippi Freedom Summer in 1964?
• Leaders of the Reform Movement were arrested with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in St. Augustine, FL, in 1964 after a challenge to racial segregation in public accommodations?
• Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel marched arm-in-arm with Dr. King in his 1965 March on Selma?

  Beginning with the Jewish position on slavery back in the 18th century, to the present day, we will explore the relationship and impact the Jewish community has had on the Civil Rights Movement. As importantly, we will look at the challenges that exist today, and what, as Jews, we would like to see change in the coming years.