New exhibit exploring relationship between Jews, American democracy opens in New York City

Through rare objects, archival materials, and personal stories, the exhibition portrays an American Jewish community deeply committed to the country’s democratic experiment.

By Shiryn Ghermezian, The Algemeiner

A new exhibition at the Center for Jewish History in New York City explores 250 years of Jewish participation in American democracy, from the Revolutionary era to the present.

“All We Have Standing Between Us: 250 Years of Jews and American Democracy,” which opened Tuesday, draws on the collections of the American Jewish Historical Society (AJHS) and features commentary from 14 contemporary scholars.

Organized across seven thematic sections, the exhibition examines how American Jews have shaped, debated, and challenged the country’s democratic ideals.

The exhibition is presented by AJHS, the Center for Jewish History, and Yeshiva University Museum to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Visitors will encounter prominent figures including poet Emma Lazarus, former US Treasury Secretary Henry Morgenthau Jr., and feminist author and activist Betty Friedan, alongside lesser-known activists, thinkers, and ordinary citizens who “pushed the boundaries of what American democracy could be,” according to AJHS.

Through rare objects, archival materials, and personal stories, the exhibition portrays an American Jewish community deeply committed to the country’s democratic experiment, even when divided over how its promises of freedom, equality, and justice should be realized.

AJHS has also launched a companion narrative podcast featuring previously untold stories from its archives about American Jews who lived through—and helped shape—pivotal moments in US history. The podcast is hosted by AJHS Executive Director Gemma R. Birnbaum.

“All We Have Standing Between Us” is on view through Dec. 31 at the Center for Jewish History. Admission is free.