May 4, 2017

Federation Leads Civil Rights Mission Through the South

Twenty-four South Florida women explored four key southern cities of the American Civil Rights movement on a recent Mission organized by Federation Women’s Philanthropy and Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC). The Social Action & Civil Rights Journey Through a Jewish Lens Mission, chaired by Brenda Nullman, provided the opportunity for participants to learn about the history of discrimination and its present-day consequences. The group also studied the parallel narrative of African-Americans' fight for equal rights to that of the Jewish people, and its striking similarity to many current political and socio-economic struggles. According to Nullman, the Mission provided a better understanding of race relations today and the importance of standing up for social justice.

During their journey, the women learned about the movement for racial equality at various historic sites. Participants met with members of the African-American communities impacted by racial segregation and those who participated in the marches and protests of the 1960s. They also had the chance to speak with members of the dwindling Jewish community and witness firsthand the impact of inner-city migration. These interactions were a poignant reminder of the strength of Miami’s Jewish community.

In the words of Rabbi Joachim Prinz, of blessed memory, a well-known Civil Right activist, “In the face of discrimination, the most urgent, the most disgraceful, the most shameful and the most tragic problem is silence.” Our Federation provides the opportunity to stand up, speak out and take action in the name of social justice and tikkum olam (repairing the world). The Mission has become a springboard for further involvement in the fight for civil liberties, one of the core Jewish values.

To learn more about becoming involved with the efforts of Women’s Philanthropy, contact Ofi Osin-Cohen at OOsin-Cohen@gmjf.org or 786.866.8440.