In a time when combating antisemitism requires strong allies and open conversations, expanding circles and having friends is more important than ever. One such friend who has deepened his engagement with the Jewish community by attending events and having meaningful conversations is Maurice Hawkins. Through discussions, values have been shared and the importance of standing together and combating antisemitism has been strengthened.
Hawkins’s journey is a testament to the power of connection. By welcoming new voices into the Jewish community, the fight against hate can be expanded.
Here, Maurice Hawkins shares his experiences, what drew him to get involved, and why building bridges matters.
Jewish Community Relations Council: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Maurice Hawkins: I’ve been a resident of Virginia Beach since 2018, though I previously lived in Norfolk. I’m a proud veteran of the United States Air Force and I’m committed to serving my community and making a positive impact. I graduated in 1998 from Norfolk State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism, concentrating in advertising.
I’m deeply passionate about community involvement, civic engagement, and leadership development. I’m an active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and have been honored by numerous organizations for my contributions to community service. Over the years, I’ve gained diverse professional experience across the public, private, academic, and non-profit sectors, which has provided me with a well-rounded perspective on the challenges we face in our community.
I’m dedicated to finding innovative solutions to improve the quality of life for all residents. I particularly focus on building powerful, diverse coalitions to tackle complex issues and foster understanding between communities with different values. A lifelong learner, I’m also an avid fan of the Washington Commanders and a big enthusiast of cinema.
Through my work and personal commitment, I strive to help create a more inclusive, connected, and prosperous community for everyone.
JCRC: How did you get involved with the Jewish community?
MH: In 2020, I was invited by my good friend, Arielle Schwartz, to attend the AIPAC Policy Conference in Washington, D.C. Honestly, I was awestruck by the rich history of the Jewish community. As an African American, I’ve always felt a deep connection with the Jewish community due to the shared experiences of unfair treatment both groups have endured over the years. Attending the AIPAC Policy Conference was a pivotal moment for me—it not only deepened my understanding of the Jewish faith but also solidified the importance of strengthening my personal alliance with the community.
Unfortunately, when the world shut down due to COVID-19, much of the relationship-building I had been eager to pursue was stunted by the aggressive social distancing and isolation we all faced. Fast forward to 2024 when I attended the Israel Independence Day Celebration (Yom Ha’Atzmaut community celebration of Israel @76) at the Sandler Family Campus. This event provided me with another opportunity to further my knowledge and deepen my connections with individuals who worship and celebrate the Jewish faith.
JCRC: Tell us about your journey this past year – better understanding of antisemitism, forging strong ties with the Jewish community, your own educational path.
MH: I attended several events at the Sandler Family Campus and even visited a synagogue for the first time in my life. However, the most impactful experience was watching a documentary and listening to the panel discussion that followed about the horrific events that took place at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. After viewing that film, I realized I needed to become a stronger and more consistent ally to the Jewish community. This experience reaffirmed my commitment to standing in solidarity with those who face discrimination and injustice.
JCRC: Why is this (fighting antisemitism, being an ally to the Jewish community) important to you?
MH: The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” This powerful quote has become my guiding principle when it comes to standing up against hate. I also recognize that during the Civil Rights Movement, many members of the Jewish community stood shoulder to shoulder with the African American community, helping to usher in an era of progress and equality for all Americans.
In light of the global rise in antisemitism, which has only intensified in the aftermath of the tragic events of October 7th, it feels more important than ever to elevate my support for my friends in the Jewish community. I am committed to standing in solidarity with them and amplifying my rhetorical advocacy against this despicable form of hate. It is through these united efforts that we can continue to fight for justice, equality, and understanding for all people.
JCRC: What has helped you this year to form your opinions?
MH: Two key experiences have shaped my desire to increase my support for the Jewish community. First, I had the privilege of engaging in honest, thought-provoking conversations with my friends Robin Mancoll, Shikma Rubin, and Olga Eskinazi. These discussions, where we explored the specifics of antisemitism and the intersectionality of hate, were incredibly enlightening and played a crucial role in my decision to be a stronger ally. Second, attending various events has greatly expanded my awareness of the Jewish community and its unique challenges in combating antisemitism. These experiences have deepened my understanding and reinforced my commitment to standing up for the Jewish community in meaningful ways.
JCRC: What has surprised you the most?
MH: It is deeply concerning how easily some individuals spread disinformation and misinformation about the Jewish community. Many unknowingly share antisemitic content on social media or make harmful statements, unaware of the damage they cause both to the Jewish community and to themselves. This level of ignorance highlights the urgent need for knowledge-based strategies to combat the pervasive threat of antisemitism in our society.
JCRC: What do you see as the role of non-Jews in the community to be in fighting antisemitism?
MH: In my humble opinion it’s up to all of us to stand up against antisemitism and hate in all of its forms. Based on what I’ve witnessed, more people need to stand with the Jewish community against antisemitism because IT’S THE RIGHT THING TO DO.
JCRC: What can Jewish people do to connect with more allies in the community?
MH: Continue reaching out to leaders and members of organizations as well as individuals who prioritize standing up against injustice. For example, the motto of my fraternity is “First of All, Servants of All, We Shall Transcend All.” My interpretation of this motto is that we should be the first to stand up for those experiencing injustice. The lack of understanding about antisemitism that keeps many people on the sidelines in this fight highlights the importance of directly engaging with those outside the Jewish community to strengthen these alliances.
Olga Eskinazi and Shikma Rubin are steering committee members of the Jewish Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater. To connect with them, email Robin Mancoll, JCRC’s senior director, at RMancoll@ujft.org.