Jews Looking at the Native American Genocide
I am a white female non-Native Ashkenazi Jewish USer. I recently attended a non-RC Zoom workshop called “The Systemic ‘Erasure’ of Native Americans, and Jewish Responses to Calling It Genocide.” It was led by two Jewish women. I have read about the genocide of the Native American people, but this workshop helped me reach a different understanding. This was because I was looking at the genocide with other Jews, not by myself. I was with my people.
The leaders showed a short film in which Native people told their stories. It was easy to discharge as they talked about their experiences.
Looking at the genocide of other peoples is important for Jews. It shows us that we are not alone, that other groups have suffered similarly. And that knowledge is a bridge to the next understanding—that we are not forever victims.
Also, facing and discharging on the fact that we have been passively complicit in the oppression of Native peoples gives us the power to be allies to others, and expect others to be allies to us.
Somerville, Massachusetts, USA
Reprinted from the RC e-mail discussion list for leaders of Jews
(Present Time 203, April 2021)