How has the election of President Obama affected black-Jewish relations? Jonathan Karp, director of undergraduate studies for the Judaic Studies department and associate professor of Judaic Studies and History, said black-Jewish relations are fairly good, while the image of Obama conjures polarizing assessments. “For liberal Jews, Obama has re-affirmed their sense of identity and purpose and connection of values with mainstream black politics,” he said. “Obama has named a number of Jews to his cabinet. For conservative (politically) Jews there is a lot of anxiety and assumptions that his policies are hostile. It’s fascinating that there is a polarization.”
Karp, whose next book is “Chosen Surrogates” which examine black-Jewish relations throughout history, says a low point was in the 90’s when Griff of the rap group Public Enemy made anti-Semitic comments and the Crown Heights riots took place. Karp, who is the author of “The Politics of Jewish Commerce” said Jews in America have it good, but some worry that it might be too good.
“It’s definitely an easy time to be a Jew in America,” Karp said. “Jews have never been more accepted. In the 40’s and 50’s Jews in entertainment felt they had to change their names to be successful. Now that isn’t the case. But there are those who worry and feel that a certain amount of alienation is necessary and that too much acceptance can undermine a sense of singularity.”
Karp, who also has taught “Zionism and its Jewish Critics,” said the media may be giving a bit too much credit to the BDS movement across college campuses.
“I’ve been impressed with their ability to get votes on the agenda but in terms of the votes, they fail more often than not.”
Karp, who began teaching at Binghamton in 2001, developed a course called “Jews and Crime.” It included gangsters such as Meyer Lansky and culminated with Bernard Madoff and the infamous Ponzi scheme.
“The effects of Madoff were widespread and bankrupted many Jewish institutions,” he said. “Financially, there hasn’t been a true widespread study so it’s difficult to say what the full impact will turn out to be. And it certainly did not help in terms of reputation.”
Karp was the head of the American Jewish Historical Society from 2010-2013.
Karp, who enjoys listening to blues, said he knows Chabad has been able to make many students happy.
“Chabad is a dynamic force that shows us what’s possible with dedication and creativity,” he said, adding that he enjoyed a Chazzanut program.
Originally from Connecticut, he got his Ph.D from Columbia University in Jewish cultural economic history and Jewish-Christian relations.
He added that he sees no magic economic solution now to the crisis of Jewish day schools closing and being costly.
“It’s very sad and I can’t imagine what’s more important than Jewish education,” he said. “I don’t understand why philanthropists didn’t do more in this area.”
He said he enjoys the fighting spirit of where he lives.
“I really enjoy this community,” he said. “Binghamton is a city that can take a punch. It’s endured a lot and keeps on going.”
Alan Zeitlin teaches English and Journalism at a Brooklyn public high school. As a freelance writer for the past 11 years, his articles have in The Jewish Week, The Journal News and other publications.