Arab American-Jewish Relations

Changing Conditions

The signing of the historic Israel-PLO Declaration of Principles in September provided new opportunities for Arab American-Jewish relations, as successful implementation of the accords was a matter of mutual concern. While the relationship nationally and in many communities is yet embryonic, there are clear signs of development as Arab Americans and American Jews look toward coalitional activity on a range of domestic concerns.

Background

For years, interaction between American Jews and Arab Americans has been sporadic. On the local level, in Detroit in particular, the Arab and Jewish communities have joined in coalition on specific local issues dealing with civil rights or holiday observances in schools. The organized Jewish community also has worked on the Bosnia issue with the Muslim community, which constitutes 20-40% of the total Arab American population (see continuing and urgent section on Muslim-Jewish Relations).

At the organizational level, the relationship has been characterized by tensions deriving from deep differences over a range of policy matters related to the Middle East. While the Arab-Israeli conflict persisted, and especially the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, any hope of regular and cooperative interaction between Arab Americans and American Jews seemed remote. However, the Jewish community relations field has been outspoken against anti-Arab manifestations in the United States.

Reflecting developments in the Middle East, the relationship between the organized Jewish and Arab communities in the United States also has undergone a fundamental shift since Israel and the PLO signed their historic accords on September 13, 1993. Meetings between mainstream American Jewish and Arab American leadership have become commonplace. On the local level, Arab and Jewish groups, led by CRCs, that came together to witness the televised Rabin-Arafat "handshake", are continuing to meet. Jewish community relations agencies are involved in dialogues with Arab Americans in a number of cities across the country.

While differences between the two communities remain, both share at the present time a profound interest in the successful implementation of the Israel-Palestinian Declaration of Principles (see section on the Peace Process). Arabs and Jews alike recognize that economic development of the West Bank and Gaza is imperative. Builders for Peace, co-chaired by former Congressman Mel Levine and James Zogby, executive director of the Arab American Institute, has brought together American Jewish and Arab business leaders in an effort to encourage private investment in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. These efforts need to be encouraged and expanded.

In addition, there are indications that the stance of Arab American organizations regarding terrorism against Israelis is changing. Following the car-bomb attack in Afula in April 1994, the National Association of Arab Americans, Arab American Anti-Discrimination Committee and Arab American Institute issued statements unequivocally condemning the bombing.

Priority Strategic Goals

The Jewish community relations field should