San Francisco, CA (March 3, 2002) - ACCESS, the division of the San Francisco chapter of the American Jewish Committee (AJC), has teamed up with SFNOIR,

the Bay Area's black arts & culture organization, and INFORUM, the leading platform for the open discussion of key issues in society, culture, politics and the economy relevant to young adults in the Bay Area, to screen the film "From Swastika to Jim Crow". The film examines Black-Jewish relations in the U.S. during the Second World War. The three groups will host a forum immediately following the film to discuss the complex and fascinating history of the Black-Jewish relationship.

"INFORUM relishes the opportunity to foster dialogue and understanding between these two communities," said Ari Wallach, INFORUM director. "From Swastika to Jim Crow", the documentary based on the book by Gabrielle Simon Edgcomb, tells the little-known story of Jewish intellectuals who escaped Nazi Germany to the U.S. in the 1930s. Confronted with anti-Semitism at American universities and public distrust of foreigners, they secured teaching positions at traditionally black colleges in the then-segregated South. Black and Jewish scholars, activists, and artists recall the complex interactions between these two groups through historic footage and firsthand testimonials. Facing History, the national organization dedicated to engaging people of diverse backgrounds in an examination of racism, prejudice, and anti-Semitism in order to promote the development of a more tolerant and informed citizenry, will show the movie and facilitate the discussion afterwards.

"The goal of this event is to stimulate open discussion between Black and Jewish young adults in the San Francisco community about essential connections between history and the choices they confront in their own lives," said Herve Ernest, co-founder, SFNOIR. "We view this as a unique opportunity to connect with the local Black community in San Francisco and to begin to build bridges on issues of mutual concern and interest to both our groups," said Rachel Teisch, ACCESS co-chair.

The event, which will be held at 7 p.m., with a 6:30 reception, on Thursday March 21 at 121 Steuart Street in
San Francisco, is open to the public. For additional information about this event, please contact Beth Turneyat AJC at (415) 777-3820 or [email protected].

About the American Jewish Committee ACCESS, a division of the AJC's San Francisco chapter, is dedicated to developing leadership initiatives - through intellectual discourse, education, and community building - in support of the core values of the AJC: ensuring the security of Israel and Jews worldwide; safeguarding basic principles of American democracy; and, enhancing the quality of American Jewish life. The AJC meets these objectives through research, strategic planning and social and political action, contributing to the reduction of intolerance in the U.S. and the enhancement of democratic values and pluralism. The San Francisco chapter, founded in 1945, serves over 250,000 Jews in the Bay Area with programs that advances these goals. For more information, visit www.ajc.org .

About SFNOIR

SFNOIR is dedicated to the promotion and preservation of black culture by highlighting and promoting black art, cultural, and educational events in the Bay Area. For more information, visit www.sfnoir.org.

About INFORUM

INFORUM is the leading platform for the open discussion of current and future key issues in society, culture, politics, and the economy relevant to young adults in the Bay Area. Drawing on the heritage of its parent organization, the Commonwealth Club, INFORUM unites individuals who strive to obtain a better understanding of the world, deepen their knowledge and challenge assumptions. INFORUM features regular events with international, national and local thought leaders. For more information, visit www.inforumonline.org.