Jesse Jackson Visits YU

Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., international human rights activist and President of the Rainbow Coalition, keynoted the third annual multi-disciplinary Conference on Black-Jewish Relations at Yeshiva University on Wednesday, October 27.

In his address, held in Weisberg Commons, Jackson heralded the next step in Black-Jewish relations, discussing the forge of ties between the two communities. Jackson was greeted by Rabbi Dr. Norman Lamm, President of Yeshiva, and by Rabbi Marc Schneier, President of the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding and the New York Board of Rabbis.

The conference was followed by a two panel discussion focused on the potential for economic gain from the joining of forces of various ethnic communities. The panel topics were "Building a Black-Jewish Economic Roundtable," and "Building Economic Relationships in the Community."

"We are at a critical juncture in the distinguished history of African-American and Jewish relations," said Rabbi Schneier. "I am pleased that Rev. Jackson and Yeshiva University have joined me and the Foundation in launching a new era in the state of Black/Jewish relations. The momentum is now shifting from the struggle for civil rights toward the building and strengthening of economic cooperation between the two communities."

Dr. Sheldon R. Gelman, Dean of the Wurzweiler School of Social Work, stated, "Jews have long been associated with the struggle for civil rights. We are now ready to engage in dialogue and collaborations that address economic opportunities in order to assure human rights. Obstacles to both civil and economic injustice must be overcome."