Diversity Inclusion and Engagement in the Jewish Community
To the leaders and influencers in our Jewish community, below are just a few suggestions on what you may continually do to support Jews of color (JOCs):
1) Use your platform and privilege to openly and authentically advocate for JOCs.
Take direct actions to make changes and encourage others to do the same.
Change is not easy (and may require risks/sacrifices and accommodations), but we must have the moral courage to do what is equitable and just.
2) Condemn (privately and publicly) the racism, oppression and discrimination, etc. you notice JOCs experience in our community.
3) Work to abolish systemic racism, build trust and create true acceptance by:
* doing what you can to ensure diversity engagement at all levels (including leadership). Diversity representation and empowerment matter.
* recruiting and including JOCs into Jewish community life (Synagogue services, Jewish day schools, camps, Sunday school, committees, programs, meetings, Board of Directors, trainings, High Holy day services, memorials/vigils, etc.).
* ensuring equitable non biased practices and policies (notice: equitable NOT “equal”).
* creating and clearing safe spaces for JOCs to speak for and represent themselves without ostracism (non-JOCs should not be our voices and/or representatives). JOCs need to feel authentically accepted, connected and have a strategic and meaningful “seat at the table”.
4) Encourage unlearning & relearning. During Torah studies and at Jewish schools and camps, continuously engage Jewish diversity in stories and history. Include the study of the indigenous Jews in Africa and the Black and Brown Jews in the Americas.
The history and contributions of Black/Brown people have been strategically left out of (“white washed”) books and curriculums. Jewish multicultural education (including Mizrahi), must be consciously integrated in our varied curriculums.
In peace, community, unity, truth & love,
Dr. Tarece Johnson, The Global Purpose Approach
* Diversity Engagement, Inclusion, Equity, & Social Justice
#JewishDiversity #MulticulturalJews #JewsOfColor #JOC#GlobalJewishDiversity #IndigenousPeople #Justice #TheGlobalPurposeApproach
#Unity #Community #Freedom #Humanity #NoMoreHate#NoPlaceForHate #Ahava #Shalom
