Defense Date

2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

History

First Advisor

Dr. Emilie Raymond

Second Advisor

Dr. Brian Daugherity

Third Advisor

Dr. Jessica Trisko Darden

Abstract

For centuries, the Jewish people have faced expulsions, pogroms, massacres, and Propaganda. that runs so deep it would be like staring into an abyss. This oppression has motivated Jewish activists worldwide to fight back not only on behalf of the Jewish community but for many areas of perceived need. Jewish involvement in social activism in the U.S. has been particularly recognized by scholars of the labor and Civil Rights movements. This thesis is based on eighteen oral history interviews focused on social activism in Richmond, Virginia since the Civil Rights era. The author conducted these interviews in 2021, 2023, and 2024 with narrators who have been involved in such initiatives as education, immigration, disability advocacy and LGBTQ+ rights. Jewish voices from Ashkenazi, Sephardic, Mizrahi, and Beta Israel have been included and they span from Reform, to Conservative, and Orthodox congregations. The vast majority of those interviewed have advocated for liberal or leftist social causes. Some of the antisemitism experienced by the interviewees, as well as the response in progressive circles to the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, has disrupted their activism but the determination and drive of Richmond Jews to contribute to their communities has arguably been bolstered and continues to be strong.

Rights

© The Author

Is Part Of

VCU University Archives

Is Part Of

VCU Theses and Dissertations

Date of Submission

12-16-2024

Download

Share

COinS