Freedom Seder LA Brings Together Black, Jewish, and Black-Jewish Leaders for an Evening of Unity and Liberation
The Californer/10311205

LOS ANGELES, April 18, 2025 ~ Last night in Los Angeles, a diverse group of changemakers, artists, clergy, and activists gathered for a powerful evening of reflection, ritual, and relationship-building. The event, called Freedom Seder LA, was hosted by CNN commentator Van Jones, Bishop-Designate Michael Fisher of Greater Zion Church Family, CAA's Deborah Marcus, Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback of Stephen Wise Temple, and Amanda Berman, founder of the Zioness Movement.

The seder was rooted in the traditions of Passover and the story of the Exodus. It celebrated Black, Jewish, and Black-Jewish liberation and solidarity. This year's seder was especially meaningful as it provided an opportunity for connection during a turbulent time when both communities are experiencing vulnerability.

More than 200 guests enthusiastically participated in the event held at Stephen Wise Temple. Among them were Compton Mayor Emma Sharif, California State Senator Ben Allen, Grammy-winning songwriter and producer Autumn Rowe, singer and rapper Aloe Blacc, actor Marc Feuerstein, Black and Jewish student government leaders, and many others dedicated to building bridges across communities.

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Amanda Berman expressed her gratitude for the event saying that "solidarity between Black and Jewish communities is urgent for our safety and our democracy." She also noted that their identities are being used against each other by those who want to keep them apart. The seder provided a moment for friends old and new to come together to talk, dance and reflect on their shared struggles.

Van Jones has been hosting similar gatherings around the country. He believes that "the story of Exodus unites our communities and creates the foundation for a shared and prosperous future." He described the Freedom Seder as a powerful evening that strengthened bonds between the two communities.

During the seder, attendees engaged in cross-cultural dialogue around thoughtful prompts tied to traditional rituals. From symbolic foods to powerful music and spiritual storytelling, the evening highlighted the centrality of the Exodus story in Jewish life and faith, and its connection to Black American liberation movements.

Bishop Designate Michael Fisher emphasized the importance of the seder in renewing an age-old covenant. He also spoke about how coming together at each other's tables can change the narrative and strengthen the bridges between the Black and Jewish communities.

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Deborah Marcus, who hosted the first Freedom Seder at her home, shared her thoughts on bringing people together through ritual. She said, "The story of Exodus – which delivers the Israelites out of slavery and into freedom – is foundational to the Jewish people and one that resonates deeply with many in the Black community." She hopes that by identifying their shared experiences, they can come closer together and show solidarity.

Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback reflected on the night as a "sacred weaving of memory and mutual commitment." He stressed the importance of listening to each other's stories with curiosity and empathy, asking questions, and opening ourselves up to new perspectives. He believes that their stories are intertwined, their struggles are shared, and they are better together.

The Freedom Seder LA was a powerful evening that brought together two communities to celebrate their shared history and struggles. It served as a reminder of their potential for a better future when they stand in solidarity with each other. As Van Jones said, "the best people in the Black and Jewish communities have been together for a hundred years –– and we'll be together for a hundred more."

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