Building Bridges: From Compton to Jerusalem

The journey from Compton to Jerusalem isn’t seen as straightforward, yet a group of progressive thinkers is striving to connect the world of hip-hop to the Holy Land, aiming for unity in the midst of divides.

Amid the tensions between Black and Jewish communities that have grown since October, a diverse trio—a progressive group from New York, a rabbi from Bel Air, and a pastor from Compton—came up with an audacious plan. The idea? To gather 20 Black influencers from downtown Los Angeles and bring them to Israel to foster connections across racial, faith, and historical lines.

Civic, political, and cultural leaders, all sharing a vision for collective liberation, traveled to participate in “From Compton to Jerusalem: A Pledge for Justice.” This initiative was centered around Sigd, an Ethiopian Jewish celebration that symbolizes community renewal and longing for Jerusalem.

The 10-day itinerary promised walks “in the footsteps of prophets, pioneers, and peacemakers,” focusing on not just reflecting on the past but also rebuilding towards a future defined by unity and dignity.

However, it’s a challenging message to deliver, especially to those who have been inundated with misinformation about Jews and Israel.

Bishop Michael Fisher expressed, “The impression of Israel is that it is an apartheid state oppressing people of color,” sharing his thoughts on the misunderstanding created by disturbing social media narratives.

What drives Fisher? He aims to encourage dialogue. “There were a lot of mixed feelings circulating in Compton,” he said, adding that he sensed a pressing need to diffuse rising tensions. “We recognized we had a limited time to sway these influencers before negative narratives took hold.”

It’s undoubtedly an ambitious initiative, but Fisher was ready for the task.

“We understood that the tale of Israel and Black-Jewish relations needed to emerge from Compton,” he mentioned, referencing the city’s significance as a hub for hip-hop legends.

Notable figures from Compton, such as former mayor Aja Brown and Grammy-nominated singer Angie Fisher, explored the beauty and intricacies of Israel, both its ancient and modern aspects.

Amanda Berman, from a progressive organization, noted there was more commonality than conflict between the groups, saying, “Our stories might not be identical, but they resonate with one another.”

A visit to Shiva Medical Center, a hub for treating injured soldiers, was impactful, filled with moments that were both heart-wrenching and enlightening.

Diversity within Israel challenged preconceived ideas; Berman noted that 40% of the hospital staff being Arab was a surprising statistic that prompted reflection among the visitors.

The diverse fabric of the Jewish state—its myriad skin tones, languages, and cultures—contradicted their expectations. “What many anticipated before arriving was not what they experienced,” Berman reported.

Angie Fisher, an R&B singer, described it as “like a big melting pot,” emphasizing the rich, varied experiences they encountered.

Many on the trip participated in a baptism in the Jordan River, marking a spiritually moving moment. They also visited the Nova music festival site, where a tragic event had taken place. Berman remarked on the impact of learning about nearly 400 young lives lost on October 7, connecting this tragedy to their own world back in Los Angeles.

Listening to inspiring figures such as Rabbi Sharon Shalom, who shared his journey from being a young shepherd to becoming Israel’s first Ethiopian rabbi, greatly motivated the group.

Sigd, the Ethiopian Jewish holiday, became a highlight, celebrated joyously with thousands of attendees, reinforcing commitment to cultural and religious roots.

The group’s views began to shift dramatically during this journey.

Bishop Fisher humorously claimed that “the walls of Jericho have fallen,” acknowledging that they had to confront previously held misconceptions.

A poignant visit to Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust memorial, left an indelible mark on the attendees. Fisher highlighted the historical significance, especially given that his father had served in a segregated unit during World War II.

“He witnessed unimaginable evil,” Fisher recounted, underscoring a shared grief that resonates deeply between communities.

Bishop Fisher noted that his ties to the Jewish community remained steadfast despite public views, feeling compelled to advocate against harmful narratives.

Reflecting on complex histories of oppression, Fisher urged, “It’s not about comparison; it’s about compassion.” Berman noted that the group left the museum with profound realizations, including the harsh truth that “white skin never protected Jews from anti-Semitism.”

If the trip aimed to highlight nuances and the broader narrative of a vibrant Israel, then it succeeded. Rabbi Yossi Zweibach pointed out the importance of recognizing diverse communities, including Druze, Palestinian Christians, Muslims, and North African Jews.

The question arises: have these influencers become newfound advocates for Israel?

While they haven’t labeled themselves as such yet, Fisher smiled, hinting, “Some definitely walked away with a newfound vibe.”

For Fisher, a standout moment was the realization that one can no longer dismiss the stories heard. “They came in with fixed beliefs, yet left thinking freely,” he said.

Lance Riley, a local pastor, formerly detached from discussions around Israel, now feels compelled to engage. “We must not avoid conversations about things we don’t understand,” he told the Post, reflecting on a newfound openness.

Riley, who hadn’t had much past interaction with the Jewish community, admitted, “This visit helped me grasp their struggles on both political and social fronts.”

After engaging with affected communities since the tragic events of October 7, Riley feels a surprising bond forming. “Our injustices as African-Americans afford us empathy for Jewish suffering,” he asserted, emphasizing mutual support.

Quoting Martin Luther King Jr., he emphasized that “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” underlining a commitment to collective healing and partnership.

For singer Angie Fisher, the newfound ties are undeniable. “This is our Jewish family,” she stated post-visit. “My perspective on life has been transformed.”