Clarence Page

Anti-Semitism is not on the increase among African Americans, Clarence Page maintains in the following viewpoint. Surveys reveal that a majority of blacks and Jews believe that the two groups should work together on civil rights issues; only a minority claim that black-Jewish relations are deteriorating. Although African Americans and Jews may have strong differences of opinion about certain issues—particularly the role of Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan—they generally feel optimistic about black-Jewish relations. Page is a nationally syndicated columnist.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. According to the survey cited by Page, what percentage of blacks claimed that black-Jewish relations improved from 1996 to 1997?
2. In what ways have blacks and Jews worked together in the past, according to the author?
3. In Page’s opinion, how does...