Excerpts 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. |
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SHARED DREAMS From Amazon.com
Read Press Articles and Reviews of Shared
Dreams
Martin
Luther King's relationship with Jews detailed in a new book
(1/10/2000)
‘Cooperation,
Not Conflict’
(1/12/00)
They
Had A Dream
(1/14/00)
Rabbi
Examines Jews Relations With Dr. King
(1/21/00)
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