The journey from Compton to Jerusalem may not seem like a conventional one, yet an innovative coalition of thought leaders is determined to unite these disparate worlds. Amid the backdrop of rising tensions between Black and Jewish communities, especially following the events of October 7, a trio consisting of a progressive activist, a rabbi, and a pastor from Compton devised a remarkable initiative. Their mission: to bridge divides across race, faith, and history by bringing two dozen influential Black voices from Los Angeles to Israel.
This initiative culminated in “From Compton to Jerusalem: A Covenant for Justice,” a transformative trip centered around Sigd, a significant Ethiopian Jewish festival celebrating communal renewal and a longing for Jerusalem. The ten-day journey was not merely a travel experience; it was an opportunity to walk in the footsteps of prophets, pioneers, and peacemakers, aiming to forge a future grounded in solidarity and collective liberation.
However, persuading the participants, many of whom arrived with preconceived notions about Israel—often shaped by misinformation—was no small feat. Bishop Michael Fisher of the Greater Zion Church Family in Compton candidly expressed the challenges: “The perception of Israel is that it’s an apartheid state oppressing people of color,” he stated, emphasizing the urgency to confront these misconceptions head-on.
As the group embarked on their journey, they were met with profound experiences that challenged their beliefs. A visit to the Sheba Medical Center, a leading hospital known for treating victims of conflict, was particularly eye-opening. With 40% of its staff being Arab, the reality contradicted their prior assumptions about the Israeli socio-political landscape. “What many of them had in their head before they arrived was not what they experienced,” noted Amanda Berman, the founder and CEO of the progressive organization Zioness.
The trip was characterized by stirring moments that transcended mere sightseeing. Nearly every participant experienced a baptism in the Jordan River, symbolizing a deep spiritual awakening. Yet, it was also marked by sobering visits to places like the Nova music festival site, where nearly 400 young lives were lost on October 7. Berman remarked on the chilling connection participants felt, likening it to the familiar grounds of a music festival in Los Angeles. This juxtaposition of joy and grief fostered a deeper understanding of shared suffering.
Additionally, encounters with inspiring figures like Sharon Shalom, Israel’s first Ethiopian rabbi, provided powerful narratives of resilience and faith. Shalom’s journey from a persecuted youth in Ethiopia to a prominent religious leader resonated deeply with the group, emphasizing the commonalities of struggle and triumph across cultures.
The celebration of Sigd in Jerusalem, with over 20,000 Ethiopian Jews gathered in a vibrant display of faith and community, was a particularly moving highlight. The sight of so many Black Jews united in joy was a stark reminder of the rich tapestry of identities within Israel, challenging the monolithic narratives often perpetuated in media and popular discourse.
As the journey progressed, the entrenched perceptions began to dissolve. Bishop Fisher remarked, “The walls of Jericho — pun intended — came crashing down,” highlighting the transformative impact of direct engagement over passive consumption of information. The experience at Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust memorial, left an indelible mark on the group, deepening their understanding of shared histories of oppression. For Fisher, whose father served in an all-Black infantry unit during World War II, the connection was personal and poignant.
Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback, who accompanied the group, emphasized the importance of embracing complexity in narratives surrounding Israel. “To embrace the nuance — to show stories of this vibrant country with its broad story,” he stated, underlining the multifaceted nature of identity within Israel, including Druze, Palestinian Christians, and North African Jews.
The returns from this pilgrimage were not simply ideological; they were profoundly personal. Participants like Lance Riley expressed a newfound responsibility to challenge misconceptions within their own communities. “Now I’m telling people they don’t know what they’re talking about,” he asserted, as he recognized the need for informed dialogue.
In the aftermath of this impactful experience, the consensus among participants was clear: a commitment to allyship and mutual support had been forged. “Together, we can overcome the pain that the past has caused us,” Riley concluded, invoking the spirit of unity encapsulated in Martin Luther King Jr.’s words, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
For many, including singer Angie Fisher, the relationships built during this journey transformed their understanding of identity and kinship. “This is our Jewish family. We’re family,” she affirmed, encapsulating the essence of what this mission aimed to achieve—a deeper, lasting bond that transcends historical grievances, fostering a shared path forward.
Indeed, the journey from Compton to Jerusalem may not have been a straight line, but it was a profound exploration of connection, empathy, and the shared human experience, illuminating a path toward reconciliation and understanding in a world often divided by misunderstanding and fear.
Reviewed by: News Desk
Edited with AI assistance + Human research
