Jewish New Orleanians are widely recognized as champions of African American civil rights. But how deserving are they of that reputation, and what did Jewish support for black advancement really look like during the Crescent City’s long civil rights movement? In this session, participants will learn about key players and moments relating to Jewish engagement in the African American freedom struggle, with particular attention paid to education and housing. Participants will also develop their own ideas about the topic through the exploration of primary sources. In addition to illuminating critical aspects of New Orleans’ past, this session will provide participants with an opportunity to reflect on the lessons that history offers for understanding – and contributing to – the ongoing quest for racial justice.
The Historic New Orleans Collection is a museum, research center, and publisher dedicated to preserving the history and culture of New Orleans and the Gulf South. THNOC’s archives, which are publicly accessible, contain many rich sources on New Orleans Jewish history. Participants will learn about genealogical resources, military records, and many other types of historical sources, as well as how to access THNOC’s archives in person and online.
The 1948 War of Independence was fought from the Galilee to the Negev against native and invading Arab armies. The Israelis built, organized, and somehow equipped the first Jewish Army in two thousand years, with its nucleus being members of Britain's Jewish Brigade. Colorful leaders such as Ben-Gurion and Moshe Dayan, the Mufti of Jerusalem and King Abdullah, determined the course of the war. This session will analyze the role of these leaders and the battles during the war. Israeli courage and skill produced victory, of a sort.