By DAWN HYMAN
The Klu Klux Klan traces its long history to the post-Civil War era South. In the ensuing years, it has gathered, marched, picketed and, according to some, taken the lives of innocents. In 2013, however, it will do something it has never done: admit Jewish members.
On Friday, Ron Edwards, leader of the Imperial Klans of America, Knights of the Klu Klux Klan (“KKK”) made the announcement to a smattering of reporters at the KKK’s Dawson Springs, Kentucky headquarters. The KKK would begin accepting applications from Jewish-Americans.
“The time has come for the modern Klan to adopt a ‘big tent’ approach to organizing,” said Edwards. “Today I am pleased to announce that the Klan’s big tent will now include God’s chosen people – the Klan’s big tent will include the Jews.”
Next to Edwards stood Thomas Larry Josephs, the accountant for the KKK and now its first Jewish member. “Mr. Joseph’s is one-quarter Jewish and has served the KKK well as its accountant for over 15 years,” said Edwards. “The Jews are as white as anyone else and have a lot to offer our cause in terms of their brainpower and financial acumen.”
Although Josephs did not offer any comments, he beamed as he took the Klan oath following Edwards’ speech. According to the Kentucky Secretary of State’s website Josephs is a CPA licensed in the State of Kentucky.
Maurice Dees, of the civil rights watchdog Southern Poverty Legal Center, believes that the KKK is adapting to a more diverse America. “This is a rare positive step from an otherwise lamentable organization,” he said. “With the nation becoming more diverse, they have to focus their emphasis on blacks.”
“The time has come for the modern Klan to adopt a ‘big tent’ approach to organizing.”
Rabbi Ephraim Elijah-Kibbutz of the First Reform Congregation in Louisville, Kentucky welcomes more Jewish involvement in local organizations – even controversial ones. “I would not join myself, but it is pleasing that Jews in the State of Kentucky are finally being accepted as equals,” he said. “Early in the 20th century Jews were not even considered white so this is remarkable progress.”
The Klan never has accepted non-Protestant whites before. The first Klan flourished in the South the late 1860s, then died out by the early 1870s. Members adopted white costumes: robes, masks, and whimsical conical hats. The second KKK flourished nationwide in the early and mid-1920s, and adopted the same costumes and code words as the first Klan. The third KKK emerged after World War II and was associated with opposing the Civil Rights political movements and progress among minorities. Former Vice President Al Gore is rumored to be the most prominent member of the Klan today although he has never admitted membership.