The Cost of Free Land: Jews and the Lakota with Rebecca Clarren and Sarah Breger

This insightful Moment Magazine discussion explores the complex and often overlooked intersection of Jewish and Lakota histories, focusing on the impact of U.S. land policies, particularly the Homestead Act. Moment Deputy Editor Sarah Breger will be joined by journalist Rebecca Claren, author of the book The Cost of Free Land: Jews, Lakota, and an American Inheritance.

Join us as we delve into:

• The experiences of Jewish immigrants seeking a new life on the American frontier.
• The devastating impact of the Homestead Act on the Lakota Nation and other Indigenous peoples.  
• The systemic oppression and destruction of Native American cultures through land dispossession and forced assimilation.
• The story of a Jewish family’s journey as homesteaders and their integration into the American West.
• Reflections on repentance, repair, and the shared responsibility for addressing historical injustices.
• A call to action to reflect on the enduring effects of U.S. policies and explore paths towards healing and reconciliation.

Key Takeaways:

• Explores Jewish immigrants, the Lakota Nation, and U.S. land policies.
• Highlights the Homestead Act’s impact on settlers and Native dispossession.
• Examines systemic oppression and destruction of Native cultures.  
• Shares a Jewish family’s history of homesteading and cultural integration.  
• Focuses on repentance, repair, and collective responsibility.
• Encourages reflection on U.S. policies’ effects and paths to healing.

Watch now to gain a deeper understanding of this crucial chapter in American history and explore the complex relationship between Jewish and Indigenous experiences.

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