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The Foundation is a national non-profit dedicated to strengthening relations between ethnic communities. We are committed to the belief that direct, face-to-face dialogue between ethnic communities is the most effective path towards the reduction of bigotry and the promotion of reconciliation and understanding. |
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This year throughout the New York area, nearly 50 events were held to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Foundation for Ethnic Understanding was joined by United Jewish Appeal and the Jewish Community Relations Council in saluting Dr. King and showcasing these events in our exceptional annual newspaper ad that appeared in Jewish Week, Amsterdam News, Long Island Jewish World and Forward (see attached ad). According to Rabbi Marc Schneier, up until five years ago, the Jewish community did not organize as a collective to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Significantly, the Foundation has helped to organize the Jewish community and in 2008 there is outstanding support and participation in paying homage to Dr. King.
Rabbi Marc Schneier and Reverend Al Sharpton at MLK Day Event Rabbi Marc Schneier was invited by Reverend Al Sharpton to speak at the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. event at the National Action Network’s House of Justice in Harlem on Monday, January 21st. In his remarks, Rabbi Schneier noted that “No segment of American society provided as much and as consistent support to Dr. King and to the African American community as did the Jewish community.” In reporting on the anti-semitic attack in Crown Heights Friday evening, January 18th, when five African American teenagers attacked a 16 year old yeshiva student, Samuel Balkany, with anti-semitic slurs while they were kicking and beating him, Rabbi Schneier called on Reverend Sharpton to condemn this anti-semitic attack in the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who understood that a people who fight for their own rights are only as honorable as when they fight for the rights of all people. In response, Reverend Sharpton was unequivocal in saying there can be no tolerance for African American attacks on Jews, saying “ I’ve said to leaders that whatever these incidents in Crown Heights, they should be investigated to the full degree of the law and looked upon as hate crimes if it comes that way, just like if it was the other way around.” We cannot be selective and call ourselves fair. …It gives you the moral authority to stand up for yourself if you also stand up for others.”
Other speakers included New York State Governor Elliot Spitzer, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Senator Charles Schumer, Congressman Charles Rangel and other federal, state and city officials. The event as well as Reverend Sharpton’s statement was covered by several media outlets, including the New York Sun, Daily News, Newsday, Jewish Press, Jewish Week, Haaretz, and Jerusalem Post.
Rabbi Marc Schneier on the Radio Rabbi Marc Schneier was welcomed by Rabbi Joseph Potasnik to his WABC radio Sunday morning show, “Religion on the Line”, on January 20th. Rabbi Schneier discussed the work of the Foundation and the history of the relationship between African Americans and Jews. He stressed that the Jewish community was one of the first to reach out to the African American community during troubled times and continues today with its consistent support, echoing Dr. King’s understanding that a people who fight for their own rights are only as honorable as when they fight for the rights of all people.
Harlem’s
“A-Team” Joins The New York Synagogue in Honoring This year’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. commemorative event at The New York Synagogue featured a spectacular show of unity between the Black and Jewish communities. On Saturday, January 19th at the conclusion of morning services, Rabbi Marc Schneier delivered a moving sermon on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Reverend Jacques Andre De Graff of the Canaan Baptist Church in Harlem was the keynote speaker. He voiced a resounding “Thank You” to the Jewish community for extending a hand out to the African American community. Reverend De Graff reminded those in attendance that “there is still much work left to be done.” Reverend De Graff was joined at the synagogue by many of his congregants including Philip Banks, Jr. who serves as the President of 100 Black Men. Concluding the event on a festive high note was the Galilee Gospel Choir which was accompanied by Cantor Dudu Fisher and The New York Synagogue Choir.
Rabbi Marc Schneier in New Jersey The Jewish Center of Teaneck was the centerpiece of the first ever New Jersey Jewish community commemorative event in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Rabbi Lawrence Zierler welcomed Rabbi Marc Schneier who was the featured speaker at this inter-religious event which was attended by over 200 people. Adding inspiration to the evening was Naqshon’s Leap, a unique duo of a religious Jew and a practicing Muslim who have joined forces in a musical dialogue. The evening concluded with a candlelight vigil and a march to City Hall.
Rabbi Marc Schneier on Long Island On Sunday night, January 20th, Rabbi Jay Rosenbaum
welcomed Rabbi Marc Schneier who delivered the keynote address at the
first annual official Nassau County Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. commemorative
event at Temple Israel of Lawrence. Over 500 people were in attendance
who also heard from Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi. Participating
in this historic interfaith event were 19 national and international organizations,
state and county executives, 27 synagogues and the 65 voice gospel choir
of the Cavalry Baptist Church.
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