Keynote Speakers:
Cherie Brown,
Executive Director of NCBI speaking on "When Is
Something Anti-Semitic and When Is It Not?"
Dr. Joseph L. Graves, Jr.
University of North Carolina A & T State
speaking on "Anti-Semitism and Racism: Cut From the Same Cloth, To Achieve
the Same Ends."
Dedicated to Ricky Sherover-Marcuse in the spirit of continuing development of
her anti-oppression work. www.unlearningracism.org
Next in the series of national conferences from a politically progressive and
grassroots perspective on anti-Semitism in ourselves and our organizations. All
in an environment of Coalition Politics, which validates concern for all
traditionally oppressed peoples, including Arabs and Muslims. With the intention
to strengthen social change and social justice movements by including concern
for Jews in our organizing and in our anti-oppression theories. Come build more
unity by tackling the complexities that allow us to be divided by unexamined
anti-Semitism. Come strengthen our coalitions by welcoming Jews as partners in
our struggles.
* "Anti-Semitism" is used here to mean the historic and ongoing attacks
against and prejudice toward Jews. As Progressives, we also acknowledge with
concern other Semitic people, such as Arabs, who are targeted by attacks and
bigotry. "see below"
This conference will not attempt to resolve any international disputes and will
not produce any resolutions.
Purpose
This conference is a gathering
of Progressives and activists to share and develop our ideas, theories, and
personal reactions to anti-Semitism within ourselves and our own
communities, in an atmosphere of self-reflection, mutual respect and deep
concern with a desire for coalition.. Please continue to "Purpose" page
To explain our definition of anti-Semitism: We're making a distinction between the older,
linguistically based term, "Semitic" and the particular term
"anti-Semitism." The linguistic term, created by ruling class European
Christians, referenced most people of the Middle East as speakers of Semitic
languages. "Anti-Semitism" was popularized by Wilhelm Marr, when he founded
the "Anti-Semitic League" in 1879 to target Jews, specifically. The league
was the first effort at creating a popular political movement against Jews
as a people, not as a religious group.
This is an important distinction, because the term "anti-Semitism" is now
being questioned by some progressives as not pertaining particularly to
Jews. In clarifying our definition, we also want all conference publicity
to be clear that we are concerned about anti-Arab and anti-Muslim prejudice.
The confusion and divisive nature of terms themselves can be thought of as
part of the oppressive ideology created in Europe as it secularized from
official Christianity. The term, "anti-Semitism" was created to de-humanize
Jews, along with terms for other racial categorizations which de-humanized
all people who were not wealthy, northern Europeans from Christian lineage
(the "Aryans.")
Our distinguished presenter, Dr. Joseph L. Graves, Jr., is one of the
world's leading authorities examining the realities behind the concept of
"race." His Keynote speech will illuminate the pseudo-scientific and
political nature of racial categorization, when he speaks on "Anti-Semitism
and Racism: Cut from the Same Cloth, to Achieve the Same Ends."
The co-sponsors wish to gratefully acknowledge two New York organizations,
Jews For Racial and Economic Justice (jfrej) and Workmen's Circle/Arbeter
Ring NY/NJ for their support and guidance in developing and implementing
this conference.
FACING A CHALLENGE WITHIN: 
