Chutzpah-a word with many meanings. For the nation of Israel, it denotes the fortitude and courage to create a thriving society in the midst of the greatest intolerance.

Chutzpah has comparable connotations for the African American community, as recent events show that racial tension in America remains a very real threat to the lives of African Americans. Every day, activists and advocates fight for freedom and civil rights. As Calev Myers reveals in Crucial Alliance, this response bears striking similarities to the Jewish community's efforts against...