Rabbi Says Negro Clergy Have ‘significant’ Role in Black Anti-semitism

An Orthodox rabbinical leader charged today that Negro clergymen have a “highly significant” role in the inception and spread of black anti-Semitism, either by failing to discourage it or by originating it and serving as a “core of racial antagonism.” The charge was made by Rabbi Jacob J. Hecht, executive vice-president of the National Committee for the Furtherance of Jewish Education. He asserted that “these clergymen are not basically anti-Semitic but rather see anti-Semitism as a vehicle for solidifying and increasing their support among their own people.” Arguing that most Negroes sought only to better themselves and their families, he added that “no group, however tolerant, can resist a constant bombardment of hateful attacks.” He added that when those “in the group see no decisive stand being made against these attacks by its clergy, it cannot help becoming aroused.”

Rabbi Hecht said that Negro clergymen should tell the truth to their people and focus on the real issues,” starting with the fact that “the Jew is hardly responsible” for the plight of the Negro now. He added that if Negro clergy, who “have the power to redirect their people into constructive channels,” did not act to stop anti-Semitism, the gap between black and white “will never be bridged.”