(short video clip link at end of post)
“Peace for Israel means security, and we must stand with all your might to protect its right to exist, its territorial integrity and the right to use whatever sea lanes it needs. I see Israel…as one of the great outposts of democracy in the world, and a marvelous example of what can be done, how desert land can be transformed into an oasis of brotherhood and democracy.”
—Martin Luther King, Jr.
In the spring of 2018, Cecile and I and our friends Nelson and Susan Bye spent an emotional morning visiting the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, the last stop on our riverboat cruise. 2018 marked the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination by James Earl Ray while King stood on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel which stood right before us. A funeral wreath of red and white carnations hung on the railing outside room 306, making it a symbol of the civil rights movement and becoming the first Civil Rights Museum in 1991.
In its’ day, the Lorraine Hotel hosted entertainers as Cab Calloway, Aretha Franklin, Count Basie, Nat King Cole, and B.B. King. The vintage cars in the parking lot represent the vehicles parked at the Lorraine Motel when Dr. King was killed. I was 13 when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., gave his historic “I have a dream” speech in 1963. The struggles of the civil rights movement during the 60s were hard to completely digest as a young teen. That said, I remember being moved by his inspiring and passionate oratory skills and courageous non-violent protests.
Sixty years ago, an estimated quarter of a million people assembled in front of the Lincoln Memorial for the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Many American Jews were active participants and leaders in the march including
Arnie Aronson, a little-known gifted organizer; Rabbi Uri Miller who recited the opening prayer; and Rabbi Joachim Prinz who delivered a stirring speech just before King’s historic words.
As the great Civil Rights activist, Reverend King advocated for equality, and against hatred, poverty and bigotry of all kinds. He was outspoken for Israel and Jewish people and against antisemitism and made this abundantly clear in one of his speeches. He once said: “When people criticize Zionists, they mean Jews. You’re talking anti-Semitism." As a preacher he certainly wouldn’t have favored war and the casualties of war; and certainly wouldn’t have approved of the Hamas hostage taking serial killers who crossed the Israeli border and beheaded babies, raped women, and slaughtered people including those who were simply attending a music peace festival.
Standing Tall an excerpt from Jamie McKenzie’s poem:
“Some kings rule their kingdoms sitting down
Surrounded by luxury, soft cushions and fans
But this King stood strong, stood proudly, stood tall…
Even in death Even today
Stands strong, stands proudly
Stands tall
And we remember
Video Clip link of Martin Luther King Jr., Against Antisemitism & Israel’s Right to Exist
