Comments (0)Moses of South Carolina: A Jewish Scalawag During Radical Reconstruction
July 30, 2010Hannah M. Heller
Special to the Jewish Times
Benjamin Ginsberg
The Johns Hopkins University Press 2010, 219 pages, $50 (hardcover)
The tragedies of the Civil War continued well beyond the last battle as the South rebuilt its economy without slavery. During this time period, Franklin Moses Jr. served first as speaker of the South Carolina House of Representatives and later as governor of the state.
Benjamin Ginsberg, professor of political science, shares his extensive knowledge of South Carolina’s history under the direction of Moses. He discusses in great detail both the positive and negative effects of Moses’ leadership. Although Moses was found guilty of corruption, the author notes that the former governor was kind to minority groups. He had originally supported secession before the Civil War, but later advocated for equal rights and suffrage for blacks and Jews.
During Reconstruction, the author notes, the federal government disempowered the prewar southern political class, establishing leadership with white emigrants from the North (carpetbaggers) and southern white supporters of Reconstrucxtion (scalawags). Although slavery was outlawed, blacks continued to struggle for economic survival. Ginsberg notes that throughout history, Jews and blacks have bonded as both groups dealt with the challenges of advancement in American society.
Franklin Moses Jr. may have helped blacks and Jews because he thought it would advance his own career., which backfired, as many southern whites resented his interference with the status quo. Although Moses was accused of theft and referred to as “The Robber Governor,” Ginsberg notes that this leader did contribute to advancements in civil rights. Under his rule, Jews and blacks benefited, and we should be grateful for his time in office.
While I found the book informative, it was often too detailed on historical facts. A history buff would enjoy it; others may find it only average.
Sweet Dates in Basra: A Novel
Abigail Sussman
Editorial Intern
Jessica Jiji
Harper Collins: Avon 2010, 347 pages, $14.99
(softback)
When Shafiq first saw Kathmiya, he was stunned by her unique beauty. “He was confronted by a sight that triggered an adrenaline rush of genuine fear: the huge, black eyes of the most stunning young girl he had ever seen, her luminous face framed by cascading dark curls.” Even though she was sobbing, Shafiq couldn’t pull himself away from her enchanting visage.
After a few more meetings, though still in awe, Shafiq develops a friendship with Kathmiya, although each of them knows that they secretly want something more. But in an Iraq where traditions of honor never fade and the lines between religions are becoming harsher and clearer, it seems as if Shafiq and Kathmiya will never overcome the tribulations of their star-crossed love.
Using inspiration from the stories her father used to tell her of the homeland he left in 1947, Jiji has painted a picture of Iraq and the social changes it endured during World War II. When “Sweet Dates in Basra” begins in 1941, people of all religions are able to co-exist harmoniously within Basra. By the end of the book, Jewish stores are being robbed, universities have instituted admission quotas allowing only three Jews to be accepted, and Zionists are
being arrested and beaten in prison. Through all of this, Shafiq tries to maintain his friendship with Omar, a Muslim boy, resist the strong affection that he and Kathmiya have developed toward each other and figure out if there is really a future for him in his beloved Iraq. “Shafiq, you have to ask yourself, am I an Iraqi who happens to be Jewish? Or a Jew who happens to live in Iraq?” Shafiq’s brother, Ezra, asks him.
“Sweet Dates in Basra” tells a story of how love can transcend the boundaries of religion and tradition. The love, longing and fear of Jiji’s characters are sure to tug at the heartstrings of many readers.