MIAMI — The National Convening on the Black-Jewish Alliance took place in Miami at the end of May, hosted by the Exodus Leadership Forum and the Redstone Family Foundation at EAST Hotel Miami. More than 100 leaders from across the U.S. attended the event.
Attendees included clergy, organizers, artists, philanthropists, educators, civic leaders, and cultural figures. The convening advanced a draft National Strategy for Black and Jewish Partnership. Organizers stated their goal was to build a future-focused alliance. The draft strategy is organized around five pillars covering awareness and historical understanding, relationship building and trust, narrative shaping, field coordination, and collective advocacy.
Television commentator Van Jones said, "When you combine the Jewish tradition of 'repairing the world' with the Black tradition of 'justice for all,' you get a double helix of hope for humanity." He added that renewing the partnership was timely, stating, "With anti-Black and anti-Jewish backlash politics reaching a fever pitch, it's time to renew this partnership."
Media executive Shari Redstone said the gathering reflects a desire to rebuild trust and deepen relationships. Redstone said, "This gathering reflects what we are seeing across the country — a real desire to rebuild trust, deepen relationships, and move from conversation to coordinated action." Redstone said, "The Black-Jewish alliance is not a relic of history; it is a living partnership that is evolving in response to this moment."
The event programming included a Soulful Shabbat gathering, artistic performances, and facilitated conversations. Discussions at the convening focused on movement-building, narrative change, and civic participation. Attendees also discussed the historical partnership between Black and Jewish communities during the Civil Rights Movement.
Rev. Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, said, "But history shows us that movements are born in moments like this. This convening is not simply about remembering past solidarity; it is about building a participatory national strategy that allows millions of people to join in the work of justice, repair and shared liberation." Organizers plan to make the convening an annual gathering.
No independent assessment was available for this report.