Emmanuel Acho

After reading [[Emmanuel Acho]]’s [Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man], I was interested to read this one.

This time Acho pairs with [[Noa Tishby]], an Israeli American Jewish advocate. It’s an interesting pairing as Jews and blacks here in America often view each other with skepticism and are sometimes on different sides of the sturggle, even as both often _targets of white supremacy groups.

As Emnuel Acho says “One way to bring forth justice is through dialogue. Through respectful curiosity, asking and listening. …How to give someone else the space to speak plainly and communicate their own truth, while also examining your own – however inconvenient or painful that might be ” P xv

In the preface Tishby recounts her experience live-reporting the Hamas invasion of Israel on October 6. And although this book isn’t specifically about that atrocity, it provides background.

The authors examine anti-Jewish memes and why Jews are scapegoated. Some of those mentioned include stereotypes involving Jewish money and secret power and Jews as Christ-killers.

They also explore a bit of Jewish history – and the worldwide persecutions making Jews long for their own homeland.

They explain how being Jewish can be a religion, a bloodline, and/ora nationality.

Although the authors talk about political topics such as Zionism, most of Israel’s scorched earth policy against Palestinian Hamas in the current war is not covered, as the war has evolved since this writing.

The book is written in an easily understood and engaging way. After having read it, I believe I have a better background understanding as well as a better idea of what respectful questions can look like.… (more)

If I could give this book six stars, instead of five, or even 7 or 8, I would! I absolutely LOVE the format of this book!!! I love the way Emmanuel Acho has a formula for each chapter: A brief description of the focus of that chapter; Let's Rewind; Let's Get Uncomfortable; Talk It, Walk It. It is so easy to follow, and the way things are explained are extremely clear and simple. I can't express how much I appreciate Acho putting this book together (and his YouTube channel and episodes, which I didn't know about until picking up this book). These are crucial topics to discuss and to research and spend some time thinking about, because we MUST work together to improve our current situation!

Acho mentions a TON of resources in his book. In fact, that's a good portion of why I've purchased this book in print, after having listened to my library's audiobook. I'm also quite tempted to buy several copies and distribute them to various people. I feel like we ALL could benefit from reading this book!… (more)