1989-2000

Repairing the Black-Jewish Alliance since 1989;
The Global Address for Muslim Jewish Relations since 2008

1989

Organization Creation

The Foundation for Ethnic Understanding (FFEU) is founded as a dream of Rabbi Marc Schneier and the late Joseph Papp (above) committed to the belief that direct, face-to-face dialogue between ethnic communities is the most effective path towards the reduction of bigotry and the promotion of reconciliation and understanding.

1995

Rabbi Schneier hosts Coretta Scott King in New York, on Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend, to address leaders of national Jewish organizations on the state of black-Jewish relations. At this landmark gathering, Mrs. King reaffirmed her husband’s deep sensitivity for Jewish concerns and tradition.

In 1995, at a time of heightened tensions between blacks and Jews, in the aftermath of anti-Semitic pronouncements by Minister Louis Farrakhan, Coretta Scott King accepted my invitation to come to New York, on Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend, to address leaders of national Jewish organizations on the state of black-Jewish relations. At this landmark gathering, held at the World Jewish Congress, King reaffirmed her husband’s deep sensitivity for Jewish concerns and tradition. She repeated the words of her late husband, spoken at the convention of the Rabbinical Assembly 10 days before his assassination in 1968: “Anti-Semitism is as vile and contemptible as racism. Anyone who supports it, including African Americans, does a disservice to his people, his country and his God.”

1996

FFEU publishes first edition of New York Directory of Interethnic Activity promoting vital work of local organizations dedicated to enhancing intergroup relations.

1997

FFEU develops and releases the first report on Black Jewish relations in the United States which assesses progress toward unity and cooperation between Jews and African Americans at every level – including grassroots, student, clerical and organizational.

1998

FFEU organizes the first annual Black-Jewish Congressional Awards Ceremony and reception honoring members of Congress who have shown leadership and commitment to strengthening relationships among ethnic communities.

1999

January 18

FFEU publishes annual report 1998 on Black Jewish relations in the United States.

Rabbi Schneier chronicles the unique relations between Martin Luther King III and the Jewish community during the Civil Rights Movement era in his acclaimed book Shared Dreams: Martin Luther King Jr. and the Jewish Community, prefaced by Martin Luther King III.

2000

FFEU releases annual report 1999 on Black Jewish relations in the United States.

1989-2000

Repairing the Black-Jewish Alliance since 1989; The Global Address for Muslim Jewish Relations since 2008

Repairing the Black-Jewish Alliance since 1989;
The Global Address for Muslim Jewish Relations since 2008