Black and Jewish Youth Leaders Meet with Foundation President,
Members of Congress

On June 16th, 2005, Foundation President Rabbi Marc Schneier spoke to a group of students from the non-profit organization, Cultural Leadership. This program, founded by Karen Kalish, who had previously launched Operation Understanding, aims to combat discrimination between Black and Jewish communities by bringing young people from these communities together. Students listened as Rabbi Schneier spoke about the work of The Foundation addressing race relations and promoting public dialogue. He also answered questions about his book Shared Dreams (published by Jewish Lights), his relationship with Russell Simmons and the history of Black/ Jewish relations in America. "It was a pleasure meeting with these students and talking to them," said Rabbi Marc Schneier. "This is what The Foundation is about - promoting dialogue - and there is no better place to start than with our youth."

The students, ages 16 & 17, retraced the journey of the Civil Rights Movement during the summer, meeting with leaders from black and Jewish communities, visiting major civil rights landmarks in the south, Jewish memorials, and attending religious services at synagogues, mosques and Baptist churches.

As part of the program, The Foundation coordinated visits for the students with various Black and Jewish members of Congress when they visited Washington, D.C. Members who participated included Congressmen Henry Waxman, Alcee Hastings, Danny Davis, William Lacy Clay, Barney Frank and Mel Watt, Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus.

The students visited the following cities: New York, NY; Washington, D.C.; Atlanta, GA; Anniston, Montgomery, Tuskegee and Selma, Alabama; Philadelphia, PA; Jackson and Utica, Mississippi; Little Rock, Arkansas and Memphis, Tennessee.

Cultural Leadership Participants meet Congressman Alcee Hastings

Copyright © 2007 The Foundation For Ethnic Understanding
The Foundation for Ethnic Understanding was founded in 1989 by Rabbi Marc Schneier and the late Joseph Papp.
We are committed to the belief that direct, face-to-face, dialogue between leaders of ethnic communities is
the most effective path toward the reduction of bigotry and the promotion of reconciliation and understanding.

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