IfNotNow’s Commitment to Being Co-Led by Jews on the Margins

We believe we will be more powerful when we are co-led by Jews who have long been marginalized by the American Jewish establishment and society at large, especially Jews who have been marginalized by race, class, and ethnicity. 

The reality of the Jewish past, present, and future is multi-racial, multi-ethnic, and includes Jews of diverse class backgrounds. But our Jewish communities – including IfNotNow – haven’t always reflected that reality.

We know our movement will be more capable of reclaiming power from the American Jewish establishment when we have a vision for collective liberation that understands how racism, Ashkenazi dominance, and classism have prevented us from fighting for both Palestinians and Israelis, and enables us to build powerful coalitions alongside movements for racial, economic, and climate justice. 

Jews who have long been marginalized by race, class, and ethnicity understand most deeply what we have to gain from this vision, but have been exploited by our mainstream Jewish institutions to justify ongoing policies that reinforce exclusion and undermine collective liberation, including Israel’s system of apartheid and occupation. Those that unconditionally support Israel are tokenized and/or offered material and communal incentives, and those that speak openly about apartheid and occupation are silenced, excluded, and repressed.

We are committed to building a movement that is truly co-led by Jews who have long been on the margins – which is a shift that requires all of us, regardless of our identities. 

Concrete Practices for Inclusion and Empowerment

This work is ongoing and in progress, and requires continuous reflection, resilience, and collaboration from all members of our movement, supported by shared commitments and practices:

1. Investing Resources: IfNotNow prioritizes support for Jews historically denied power, such as Jews of Color, non-Ashkenazi Jews, working-class Jews, and disabled Jews, aiming for their leadership to be recognized at all levels.

2. Uplifting Diverse Histories: All members are encouraged to explore their unique Jewish histories, fostering a deeper understanding of the diverse experiences within the Jewish diaspora.

3. Grounding in Self-Interest: Members are urged to connect personal stakes and motivations to the collective work, recognizing the shared goals despite differing identities.

4. Moving at the Speed of Relationship: IfNotNow acknowledges that building trust and inclusive and diverse community is a slow process, requiring patience and commitment.

5. Ongoing Reflection About Oppressive Power Dynamics: Members, particularly those with privileged identities, must continually reflect on and challenge their positions within the community to promote a sense of belonging for all of members. 

6. Commitment to Perseverance: IfNotNow embraces the inevitability of mistakes in this transformative process and pledges to stay engaged through challenges.

7. Sustainable and Accessible Leadership: IfNotNow aims to create an inclusive environment where participation is feasible for all, irrespective of class, ability, or life stage.

8. Connecting Across Identities: Building connections within and across different identities is crucial for creating a powerful movement.

Structural Support for Practices

To support its commitments, at this time, IfNotNow is developing several support structures:

- BIJOCSM Leadership Team: This team focuses on creating community and organizing strategies specifically for Jews of color, including Black, Indigenous, Sephardi, and Mizrahi Jews, within the team & the wider movement, ensuring BIJOCSM members find belonging and agency in the fight against oppression.

- Leadership Stipends: Financial support is available to enhance access to leadership roles for Jews facing marginalization or financial hardship.