In Birmingham, Alabama, we had dinner with various civil rights activists. Cleopatra Goree was seated at the table I and a few others were sitting at. Before eating, Ms Goree talked about her experiences in attaining racial justice, religion, and everything in-between. Although there were really enlightening and engaging conversations, it wasn't until we were about to depart from the restaurant that I decided to ask Ms. Goree about something she mentioned countless times before dinner. She had always went back to Jews and a Jewish boy she taught. I wanted to know if she had a special connection to the Jewish people, and if that was why she kept mentioning them. She said yes, and talked about the stereotypes about Jews and how she knows the righteous truth that the Jews did not deserve the hatred they received. It makes me wonder what ever happened to one of the strongest alliances in history. If not for all living creatures, Blacks and Jews relate as far as their being oppressed throughout history, and what we can relate to in other people makes it simpler to effect change.
Leah Weinstein
City College
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