Russell Simmons Urges Blacks And Jews To Join Together

Hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons is urging African Americans to join forces with Jews to fight anti-Semitism in Europe and America.

The seminal Def Jam record company founder has teamed up with RABBI MARC SCHNEIER to co-write an article in which they speak of the long collaboration between the two races.

They also note that 77 per cent of blacks and 73 per cent of Jews think the two communities should unite to advocate civil rights.

Jewish leaders in New York have welcomed the move, saying, "This is the first time in years that such a central, popular figure among blacks in America, particularly among young people, has issued such a strong condemnation of anti-Semitism, and called for a renewal of the historical alliance between African Americans and Jews."

The piece is to be published in various weekend newspapers (17/18JAN04).