Jewish-Black Relations: A Historical Perspective

Before the 20th Century

Historically, Black leaders often pointed to the experiences of Hebrews in bondage in ancient Egypt as being similar to their own experiences under slavery and then under Jim Crow discrimination. In addition, some Blacks have presented themselves as actual descendents of the tribes of Israel.

Although the number of Jews in the United States rose dramatically during the peak years of immigration from 1880 through 1924, a small number of mainly German Jewish immigrants were living in the United States during slavery. There have been arguments about the role these few Jews played in both the slave trade and in slavery itself. What historians generally agree on is that Jews did play various although limited roles in the African slave trade.

Few Jews owned plantations mainly because Jews in the old country of Europe were not allowed to own land and, therefore, fulfilled roles as merchants or peddlers. In keeping with this tradition in their new country, Southern Jews tended to fill these same positions, living in more urban areas. Nonetheless, there were some Jewish plantation and slaveowners, though the numbers pale in comparison with the larger White population. Overall, Jewish relations to slaves in the South differed little from those of non-Jews in the South.

As more Jews began entering the United States in the 1850s fleeing persecution and seeking economic and social freedom, the Jewish abolitionist participation in the United States began to emerge. Sharing certain political and ideological leanings, this group helped create the Reform Judaism movement, which largely believed that all humans should be treated equally. The Jewish abolitionists arose from this movement.

By the late 1800s, as more and more immigrants arrived in the United States, Black Americans had a keen awareness that the newcomers were given special treatment whereas Blacks were still being treated as second-class citizens. However, the general population often did not include Jews in the favored group, feeling that Jews were often as discriminated against as they were. Further, the Black press, as well as various Black leaders, frequently pointed to Jews as examples and role models for Black economic success and social behavior. Most especially, Black leaders pointed to Jewish solidarity as a successful model for Blacks to adopt. At this time, some Black leaders began to see the potential for collaboration with Jews in achieving social acceptance and for financial assistance from Jews for Black causes. Two such leaders were Booker T. Washington and W. E. B. Du Bois.

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