(Tuesday) 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Jews were present in small numbers in America long before the country became the United States. In 1790, the first US president, George Washington, famously and warmly
Jews were present in small numbers in America long before the country became the United States. In 1790, the first US president, George Washington, famously and warmly welcomed Jewish citizens as equals and declared that his government would give “bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance.” But subsequent American leaders like Jefferson, Adams, and Grant exhibited mixed feeling about fellow Jewish citizens. During the Civil War, General Grant enacted an anti-Semitic order against Jewish businessmen, that was quickly rescinded by President Lincoln, who responded to lobbying by some of his Jewish friends. In this presentation, Dr. Jeanne Abrams will examine both the positive and negative relationships between American leaders and the early Jewish community in colonial times and the early republic.
“We welcome the Israeli government’s suspension of legislative consideration of judicial reform measures.
“The last three months have been painful to watch and yet a textbook case of democracy in action. We respect the political leaders, business executives, community activists, cultural figures, and ordinary Israelis who took to the streets, exercising their love of country, and their passion for democracy.
“As a next step, we encourage all Knesset factions, coalition and opposition alike, to use this time to build a consensus that includes the broad support of Israeli civil society.
“Israel’s political leaders must insist on a more respectful tone and debate. A hallmark of democracy is public consensus and mutual consideration.
“The Conference of Presidents, the Anti-Defamation League, the American Jewish Committee, AIPAC, and the Jewish Federations of North America will continue to confer with Israel’s governmental and civic leaders to ensure that the views of American Jewry are represented in the discussion. We are confident the resilience of Israeli democracy will successfully overcome the tremendous challenges it faces.”