Jackson Agrees to Meet Jewish Leaders in L.A. for ‘Dialogue’

The Rev. Jesse Jackson has agreed to meet with Los Angeles Jewish leaders on May 18 to “hold a dialogue” on issues of mutual concern, Rabbi Allen I. Freehling of University Synagogue in Brentwood announced Friday.

Jackson said upon beginning his campaign this week for the June 7 California primary that he hoped to meet with Jewish leaders to avoid the tensions that marked the New York primary, where Jackson’s relations with Jews were an overriding issue.

Sends Letters to Groups

“We hope we can deal very honestly on those matters of disagreement and some hurt that have clogged the channels of communication and can also see some common interest in the administration of the social agenda facing America,” Freehling said. Freehling said he initiated the meeting and mailed letters Friday to leading Jewish organizations inviting them to the closed-door session at University Synagogue after Jackson accepted.

Declined N.Y. Meeting

Jackson declined to address the Conference of Major American Jewish Organizations in New York before the primary. At the time, Jackson campaign manager Gerald F. Austin said “there is no reason for putting him on trial for statements four years ago,” referring to Jackson’s private characterization of New York as “Hymietown.” Jackson later apologized at the Democratic National Convention for the remark.

Jewish groups were also concerned about Jackson’s stand in favor of a Palestinian state, his embrace of Palestine Liberation Organization leader Yasser Arafat in a 1979 trip to the Middle East and his refusal to denounce controversial Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan.

New York Mayor Edward I. Koch had said Jews would be “crazy” to vote for Jackson.

Freehling said the Los Angeles meeting did not signify an endorsement of Jackson. “It is an opportunity for dialogue in a hostility-free setting,” he said.

Freehling said he estimated 85 Jewish clergy and lay leaders would attend.