In a powerful conversation between Rabbi Marc Baker, CJP’s president and CEO, and Van Jones, political correspondent and founder of DreamMachine.org, we heard lessons on humility, collaboration, and rekindling Black, Jewish and Black-Jewish allyship to create a more just and united world.

Jones shared powerful insights on overcoming polarization and the risks and rewards of allyship in this inspiring conversation for our community.

Here are five key takeaways from this thought-provoking dialogue:

Bridge-building over partisanship

“I’ve never seen a bird fly with only a left wing…or only a right wing. We need each other.”

Jones emphasized that progress happens when people with opposing views work together. He described how listening to diverse perspectives allows for deeper understanding and practical solutions, stressing that progressives and conservatives each contribute essential values: justice and liberty, respectively. His metaphor of a bird needing both wings to fly highlights the importance of balance.

Allyship in action

“This is not the time to let go of your friend’s hand when they’re hurting.”

Jones shared his personal journey of standing with the Jewish community after Oct. 7, 2023, despite facing intense backlash both publicly and personally. He framed allyship as showing up for others in their moments of vulnerability, even when it’s difficult, underscoring that allyship requires moral clarity and courage.

The double helix of hope

“When we come together culturally in a positive way, we create a double helix of hope — justice for all and repairing the world.”

Jones described Black and Jewish communities as intertwined through shared struggles and aspirations, likening our relationship to a “double helix of hope.” He called for rekindling this partnership, recognizing that when our communities collaborate, we bring hope and justice not only to each other but also to the world.

Rejecting polarization

“Movements make mistakes when they dehumanize someone in the name of humanizing another. That’s not Dr. King. That’s not Nelson Mandela — that’s not my tradition.”

Jones critiqued the rise of dehumanizing rhetoric within progressive movements, where lifting one group is often done by tearing another down. He argued for approaches rooted in grace, humility, and the belief in dignity for all, rejecting binaries that simplify identities and perpetuate division.

Lessons from leadership

“I realized I had a better talent for building bridges than burning stuff down.”

Reflecting on his own evolution — from a radical activist in his 20s to a bridge-builder in his 30s — Jones highlighted the importance of growth and learning. He pointed out that those at society’s margins need allies from all sides, making collaboration across divides not only ideal but necessary.

This conversation was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we lead with empathy and courage, think beyond division, and imagine a future where communities come together to repair the world.

CJP is proud to create spaces where conversations like this inspire bold ideas and meaningful action.

Watch and share the full discussion on YouTube.

CJP is committed to bringing our community events that reflect the diversity of thought within it. Stay tuned for more upcoming opportunities.