This report is the first of its kind to comprehensively explore the unique experiences, challenges, and resilience of LGBTQ+ Jews of Color in Jewish spaces. “Threads of Identity” is both a love letter to LGBTQ+ Jews of Color and all the parts of who they are, as well as an offering of actionable steps for the Jewish community to honor the full spectrum of its members by creating spaces where all Jews feel like they belong and that fully embrace LGBTQ+ community members of Color.
Essential Community Reading
Over the past 16 months, I have traveled throughout the country in my role leading the Jews of Color Initiative. I’ve visited rural communities in Nevada, Upstate New York, North Carolina, Georgia, South Carolina and Florida, as well as metro regions like Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington DC and New York City. In hundreds and hundreds of deeply human interactions in transit, in hotels, in front of diverse audiences across dozens of regions and thousands of miles, I’ve listened to stories of being misunderstood and marginalized–because of who we are, and so often who we are perceived to be. I’ve also been moved by the antidotal power of what happens when identity, community, spiritual connection, and wholeness are actively cultivated–especially in young people.
In this post October 7th world we are all managing sets of -isms that are making us feel less safe moving through the world as openly Jewish people. As a result, a narrative has emerged over the past several months that has called for a separation from ‘communities of color’ who are perceived as not being in ideological lockstep with the ‘Jewish community.’ This perspective assumes both that each community is monolithic in their views and that full agreement is a condition to working towards our shared liberation project.
Over the past year, JoCI and our partners created meaningful opportunities for leadership and belonging for Jews of Color through dynamic fellowships and programs, forward-thinking dialogue and research, and grants for innovative projects. Take a look at the powerful impact we made together in 2023-2024.
Drawing on unique historical comparisons of the long-term benefits of diversity, Ilana argues that steady dedication to efforts for diversity, equity and inclusion will strengthen the Jewish community and guide us toward collective success.
Pointing to the many times in Bamidbar that Jews are counted, Ilana Kaufman explores the question: Who is counted? Being counted matters because to be counted is an affirmation of belonging; being counted provides context and identity. Using National census and Jewish studies data, Kaufman shows that Jews of Color are already a substantial percentage of the Jewish population.