SAVE THE DATES!
A SERIES OF FOUR ONLINE PROGRAMS FOR THE ASHEVILLE JEWISH COMMUNITY
Along with Jewish communities all across the world, Jewish organizations in Asheville have been outraged by the acts of brutality against the Black community. As a follow-up to official statements made after the murder of George Floyd, multiple Asheville Jewish organizations are working together to host a series of four virtual Tuesday night programs. These programs will present information on the issues and discuss additional avenues to solidarity with the Black community of Asheville.
We encourage you to explore the links in the program descriptions below to prepare for the presentations. This series is planned for the Jewish community, so we are not publicizing it to the general public. Please do not share on social media. Click below each program description below to register. We look forward to seeing you and sharing ideas.
Sponsored by the WNC Jewish Community Relations Council and co-sponsored by Carolina Jews for Justice, Congregation Beth Israel, Congregation Beth HaTephila, Jewish Family Services of WNC, and Jewish Secular Community of Asheville.
Tuesday, July 28, 7–8:30 pm Racism, Anti-Semitism, and Intersectionality
In 2019, following the murders at the Tree of Life Synagogue, the Marlene Meyerson JCC of Manhattan hosted a program titled “White Supremacy. Racism. Anti-Semitism.” It asked the questions, “Are the Jewish people a special case? How is anti-Semitism connected to other hatreds in 2019 America, and how is it different?” Using clips from the moderated panel, we will explore how all oppressions are linked and require identifying a group as “the other” to maintain white supremacy. Program moderators will lead a discussion of how this understanding could lead to a deeper connection with and stronger support of the Black community here in Asheville. Register in advance for this meeting. You will receive a confirmation email with information about joining the meeting.
Tuesday, August 4, 7–8:30 pm Monuments and the Stories They Tell
According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, in 2019 there were 1,747 Confederate States of America monuments in the United States. These were mostly in the South, with the largest number placed between 1900 –1920. Asheville has three monuments, along with numerous places and roads named after Confederate figures. This panel presentation and discussion will focus on the recent decision by the City Council and County Commissioners to change or remove the Vance Monument. Register in advance for this meeting. You will receive a confirmation email with information about joining the meeting.
Tuesday, August 18, 7–8:30 pm Reparations: If Not Now, When?
The topic of reparations raises many conflicting opinions and feelings. Many of us do not understand what reparations are. Both moral obligations and monetary compensations are involved. This panel will offer an exploration of the meaning of reparations through the lenses of Black history, Jewish perspective, and current events. There will be opportunity for discussion following panel presentations. Register in advance for this meeting. You will receive a confirmation email with information about joining the meeting.
Tuesday, September 1, 7–8:30 pm Becoming Allies for an Anti-Racist Future
The Black and Jewish communities of the United States have shared an historic alliance including the founding of the NAACP and the Civil Rights marches in the ‘60s. Over time, some of that alliance has shifted and with the urgency of now, how can the Asheville Jewish community act in solidarity with the Black community of our mountain home? This moderated panel will probe both the mistakes we might be making and better ways of acting in solidarity as allies. Register in advance for this meeting. You will receive a confirmation email with information about joining the meeting.
