By Eli Bass—Director of Jewish Life
The news this summer has been memorable. Two candidates vie for the highest office in the land; the future leadership of our nation is in our hands. I’ve never seen an election with rhetoric more divisive or challenging. I cannot wait until Nov. 8 when it will all quiet back down.
As director of Jewish Life, I often follow the world of Jewish news. What issues are important? How do I help students to connect and grow? I studied politics in college and have a deep commitment to learning about and understanding our democracy.
Two organizations which have been deeply committed to the fight for civil rights have been the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and The Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (RAC). The NAACP was founded in 1909, and its goal is to “promote equality of rights and to eradicate caste or race prejudice among the citizens of the United States; to advance the interest of colored citizens; to secure for them impartial suffrage; and to increase their opportunities for securing justice in the courts, education for the children, employment according to their ability and complete equality before law.”
The NAACP’s historic leadership has included many Jews committed to the organization’s mission of full equality. In October of 1959 the president of the NAACP, Kivie Kaplan, contributed money to create a center for social justice for the reform movement. As a Jew, Kaplan took seriously the Jewish value of “Tikkun Olam,” a phrase which means repairing the world. The RAC has been a central advocate in the District of Columbia for civil rights.
The NAACP was founded with engagement in our democracy as a central pillar of the organization. Today the NAACP, RAC and other similar groups are noting numerous ways that people are being denied civic participation. The RAC has helped to unite many central Jewish organizations to join this fight.
According to The Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement at Tufts University, 19.9 percent of 18-29 year-olds voted in the last congressional election in 2014. 45 percent of 18-29 year-olds voted in the 2012 presidential race. These are the lowest numbers of any age demographic.
Universities throughout the country are becoming aware of these low participation rates. At Harvard University, each student who checked into his or her residence hall was offered the opportunity to register to vote. In Pennsylvania, we know candidates are spending heavily here. It is seen as a must-win state.
In Judaism, we are taught by Rabbi Tarfon in the “Pirke Avot,” “It is not your responsibility to finish the work of perfecting the world, but you are not free to desist from it either.” We cannot ignore what is happening—we must be involved. Each vote is such a small piece of the total results, yet we have seen elections which are regularly decided by the smallest of margins.
As students, your actions are simple and critical. Oct. 11 is the last day to register in Pennsylvania. Your vote and voice matter. Talk to your friends; are they registered to vote? Work to register voters. If you are not a citizen, help your friends understand their rights.
Shine a light on the great work of diverse civil rights activists who are working to make sure all Americans can vote easily. On Nov. 8, show up to vote and remind your friends about the value of our democracy.
