Wasserman Schultz, Nikema Williams, Hunt Relaunch Bipartisan Congressional Caucus on Black-Jewish Relations

Washington, July 13, 2023

“Jewish tradition teaches that it is incumbent upon us to speak out and act against injustice. African American and Jewish communities have a long, shared history of confronting discrimination and racism in the United States, and the recent rise of white supremacy, bigotry and antisemitism poses a direct threat to both of our communities,” said Caucus Co-Chair Wasserman Schultz. “This Caucus will build upon our historic fight for a better, more peaceful world, while also raising awareness in Congress about the common issues facing our communities. My hope is that generations to come will live in an America with unity and harmony and without antisemitism, racism, intolerance, and hatred.”

Washington, D.C. – Today, Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Nikema Williams (GA-05), and Wesley Hunt (TX-38) relaunched the Congressional Caucus on Black-Jewish Relations for the 118th Congress by bringing together Members of Congress and representatives from leading organizations at an event co-hosted by the Anti-Defamation League, American Jewish Committee, and the National Urban League.

“Jewish tradition teaches that it is incumbent upon us to speak out and act against injustice. African American and Jewish communities have a long, shared history of confronting discrimination and racism in the United States, and the recent rise of white supremacy, bigotry and antisemitism poses a direct threat to both of our communities,” said Caucus Co-Chair Wasserman Schultz. “This Caucus will build upon our historic fight for a better, more peaceful world, while also raising awareness in Congress about the common issues facing our communities. My hope is that generations to come will live in an America with unity and harmony and without antisemitism, racism, intolerance, and hatred.”

“Black and Jewish communities – especially in Atlanta – have a long history of fighting shoulder to shoulder for equality. I look forward to writing a new chapter of that history with my Black-Jewish Relations Caucus Co-Chairs Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Wesley Hunt, and every member of the caucus,” said Caucus Co-Chair Williams. My friend and predecessor, John Lewis, founded the Black-Jewish Relations Caucus in recognition of our two communities’ commitment to justice. I will keep building on Congressman Lewis’ legacy as the Black-Jewish Relations Caucus creates a country where everyone can thrive.”

“The preservation and celebration of Black and Jewish culture is essential because it highlights the struggles, achievements, and resilience of our respective communities. It also helps to foster empathy and respect for Black and Jewish communities worldwide. I’m proud to join the Bipartisan Caucus on Black-Jewish Relations to help build a bridge between our communities, to highlight the rich shared history between our people, and to combat antisemitism wherever it exists,” said Caucus Co-Chair Hunt. As the great-great grandson of a slave who now serves in the halls of Congress, I also understand the tremendous progress our country has made in just a handful of generations, and I look forward to sharing that story with my colleagues and our country.”

The purpose of the Caucus on Black-Jewish Relations is to bring together elected leaders from the Black and Jewish communities in a bipartisan fashion to strengthen Black-Jewish relations, bolster mutual understanding, and combat antisemitism and racism. Additionally, the Caucus will convene Members of Congress from both communities and allies interested in eradicating antisemitism, racism, and bigotry in the United States and provide resources to achieve this goal.

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