Many people are familiar with the story of Jewish support for the American civil rights movement but this history has another side--one that has not fully been told until now.

At critical moments in the life of the American Jewish community, of Israel and of the plight of Soviet Jews, Martin Luther King, Jr. stepped in as an advocate to speak out for the human and civil rights of Jews. His efforts to support world Jewry--within the constraints of his primary role in the civil rights movement cannot be forgotten. Indeed, they must be remembered. 

Rabbi Marc Schneier, President of the Foundation For Ethnic Understanding, presents the full story of Dr. King's involvement with the Jewish community. Through the use of previously unpublished material and interviews with those who marched at Dr. King's side, the long-neglected story of mutual support and cooperation between Dr. King and the Jewish community is brought to life.

It is a story that sheds new light on the commitment and the relationship between the Jewish and African American communities as they have struggled together to fight for justice and civil rights in our nation, and our lives. Even more, it is a story that encourages all of us--people of all faiths, all backgrounds--to continue to fight for justice in our world.

Civil Rights Leaders Speak Out on SHARED DREAMS

From the Preface by Martin Luther King III:

"The history of Americans of African descent and Jewish descent is a story of two groups of people who suffered uncommon persecution but who have persevered with uncommon faith... In Shared Dreams, Rabbi Schneier reiterates our commonality as upheld by Martin Luther King, Jr. and fuels the reader to continue to work for the advancement of race relations among all God's children." 

Kwesi Mfume, President and CEO, NAACP commented:

One of the most important books I've read this year. Rabbi Schneier thoughtfully illustrates the depth of the friendship Dr. King and our Jewish brother and sisters, thus providing us with a fresh and bold new perspective on both a beloved civil rights leader and a most revolutionary time in our history. This book also takes great care  to explore the communality of the struggle for equality&

Israel Singer, Secretary General, of the World Jewish Congress added:

"A powerful and meaningful book about the prophetic leadership of Martin Luther King Jr. and his colleagues ... It must be read by all who seek to improve the condition of human rights."

Excepts From Shared Dreams:

The following quotes from Martin Luther King, Jr. reflect his relationship to, admiration for and support of the Jewish Community:

(P. 32) "I draw not from Marxism or any other secular philosophy but from the profits of Israel; from their passion and cry for righteousness. The Ethic of Judaism is integral to my Christian faith

(P. 33) (To a rabbi) " You and I draw living waters from the same spring, from the belief in a God of Love, Mercy, and Justice. In the Jewish Prayer Book, I find words which express the essence of the Christian hope and promise: 'O may all, created in Thine image, recognize that they are brethren, so that, one in spirit and one in fellowship , they may be forever united before Thee. Then shall Thy kingdom be established one earth and the word of Thine ancient seer be fulfilled: The Lord will reign forever and ever

(P.34) "My people were brought here in chains. your people were driven here to escape the chains fashioned for them in Europe. Our unity is born of common struggle for centuries, not only to rid ourselves of bondage, but to make oppression of any people by others an impossibility."

(P. 70) "The Segregationist makes no fine distinctions between the Negro and the Jew. The racists of America fly blindly at both of us, not caring at all which one of us falls. Their aim is to maintain, through crude segregation, groups who used as scapegoats can facilitate their political and social rule over all people. Our common fight is against these deadly enemies of democracy, and our glory is that we are chosen to prove that courage is a characteristic of oppressed people, however cynically and brutally they are denied full equality and freedom."

(P116) " I am profoundly shocked by the treatment of the Jewish people in the Soviet Union.... I should like to add my voice to the list of distinguished Americans of all faiths who have called the injustices perpetrated against the Jewish community in the Soviet Union to the attention of the world . The struggle of the Negro people for freedom is inextricably interwoven with the universal struggle of all people to be free from discrimination and oppression. The Jewish people must be given their gull rights at Soviet citizens as guaranteed by the Constitution of the U.S.S.R. itself.

The anti-Jewish tone of economic trials must cease. The free functioning of synagogues should be permitted. There should be no interference with the performance of sacred rites. The religious and cultural freedom on this old Jewish community should be re-established. In the name of humanity I urge that the Soviet government end all discriminatory against its Jewish community. I will not remain silent in the face of injustice.

(p. 119) "No person of good will can stand by as a silent auditor while there is a possibility of the complete spiritual and cultural destruction of a once-flourishing Jewish community. The denial of human rights anywhere is a threat to the affirmation of human rights everywhere." 

(p. 165) Zionism is nothing less that the dream and ideal of the Jewish people returning to live in their own land. The Jewish people the scriptures tell us, once enjoyed a flourishing Commonwealth in the holy land. From this they were expelled by the Roman tyrant, the same Romans who cruelly murdered Our Lord. Driven from there homeland, their nation in ashes, forced to wander the globe, the Jewish people time and again suffered the last of whichever tyrant happened to rule over them. 

The Negro people...know what it is to suffer the torment of tyranny under rules not of our choosing. Our brother sin Africa have begged, pleaded requested--Demanded the recognition and realization of our inborn right to live in peace under own sovereignty in our own country. How easy should, for anyone who holds dear this inalienable right of all mankind, to understand and support the right of the Jewish people to live in their ancient land of Israel.  All men of good will exult in the fulfillment of God's promise, that his People should return in joy to rebuild their plundered land.

(p. 172) "How could there be anti-Semitism among Negroes when our Jewish friends have demonstrated their commitment to the principle of tolerance and brotherhood not only in the form of sizable contributions, but in many other tangible ways, and often at great personal sacrifice? Can we ever express our appreciation to the Rabbis who chose to give moral witness with us in St. Augustine...? Need I remind anyone of the awful beating suffered by Rabbi Arthur Levyland of Cleveland when he joined the civil rights workers...in Hattiesburg, Mississippi? And who can ever forget the sacrifice of two Jewish lives, Andrew Goodman and Michael Schwerner, in  the swamps of Mississippi? It would be impossible to record the contribution that Jewish people have made towards the Negro's struggle for freedom--it has been so great."

(P 177) In response to a statement that Hitler had not killed enough Jews "I do not view this outburst as anti-Jewish. I see it as anti-man and anti-God. It would be a statement to harshly condemn coming from anyone. It is singularly despicable coming from a black man...In the struggle for human rights, as well as in the struggle of the upward march of our civilization, we have a deep need for partnership, fellowship, and courage of our Jewish brother.