The Tzedek Social Justice Fellowship is shaped by an understanding of Jewish history and a deep awareness that violence is possible when a marginalized group is subject to unfettered power and domination. Waves of blatant anti-Semitism tinge history, and currently, episodes of anti-Semitism erupt daily throughout the U.S. and Europe. In a landscape of oppression, anti-Semitism is sometimes quiet, but is easily aroused whenever a scapegoat is needed. The realities of anti-Semitism are often erased from social justice spaces that claim to be intersectional.
Our belief is that this profound exclusion compromises our movements’ capacities to respond to injustice, broadly defined. We know that combatting anti-Semitism alongside anti-black racism, Islamophobia, and xenophobia is essential toward building robust coalitions.
Rooted in Jewish Social Justice
While not religious, the Fellowship is founded on Jewish social justice values. These include justice (Tzedek), equitable giving (Tzedakah), repairing the world through social action (Tikkun Olam), and leadership (Hanhagah). Tzedek Fellows embody these values and are called to action, creating positive change and transformation in their work, lives, community, and society.
Jobs That Take On Anti-Semitism
Combating anti-Semitism is one focus of the Tzedek Social Justice Fellowship, and we offer positions that promote understanding, respect and safety for members of the Jewish community. Tzedek Fellows have taken on jobs that include:
- Strengthening collaborations between the Jewish Community Center and other community organizations including UNCA’s Center for Diversity Education, YWCA, Youth OUTright, and Campaign for Southern Equality
- Coalition building around issues of social justice and diversity such as racism, LGBT equality, and bullying as well as facilitating collaborations between organizations.
Training for Effective Work Against Anti-Semitism
An awareness of Jewish social justice and efforts to combat anti-Semitism inform the comprehensive training that we offer to all Tzedek Fellows. Sample training sessions include:
- Lessons from a Holocaust Survivor
- Intersectional Approaches to Combatting anti-Semitism
- History of anti-Semitism