Daughter of American pastor accused of antisemitism converts to Judaism

Ashley Jackson, the daughter of American pastor Jesse Jackson, who was accused of antisemitism, underwent conversion and embraced Judaism. She shared her story in an article in The Washington Post, noting that being a Black woman and a Jew means carrying a dual heritage. Jesse Jackson died in early 2026.

Ashley Jackson, the daughter of prominent American pastor and civil rights activist Jesse Jackson, underwent a full conversion and embraced Judaism. She recounted her journey in an article published in The Washington Post. Ashley, who took the Hebrew name Miriam Iska, describes her path to faith: "In Judaism, I found a continuous embodiment of the idea that faith must inspire action." She notes that being a Black woman and a Jew means carrying a dual heritage. Jesse Jackson, who died in early 2026 at age 84, was a leading figure in the civil rights movement, ran twice for U.S. president, but also faced accusations of antisemitism due to his statements and meetings with Yasser Arafat. Ashley emphasizes the historical bond between African Americans and the Jewish community, which she says is now under attack.