Martin Luther King was a hero of our time. As this article from Heather Robinson states “Dr. King is first and foremost a hero because of his great work on behalf of African-Americans, for, and with, whom he won the human rights so long and shamefully denied them in the U.S. By extension, he is hero to all Americans, whom he gave the gift of challenging us to become better people. But I also think his dedication to speaking the unpopular truth in defense of Zionists–those who believe in the existence of a secure Jewish state–further reflects his rare character.”
The piece includes a video, which incorporates the fine words from King about Jews, Zionism and Israel. King was also very appreciate of the Jewish support for the Civil Rights Movement in the U.S.
King’s close positive link with Israel is reinforced in this 2002 op ed in the San Francisco Chronicle written by Congressman John Lewis.
Lewis writes “On March 25, 1968, less than two weeks before his tragic death, he spoke out with clarity and directness stating, “peace for Israel means security, and we must stand with all our might to protect its right to exist, its territorial integrity. 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. Peace for Israel means security and that security must be a reality.”
…. Indeed, Israel’s security and safety are paramount for peace to occur. What Martin Luther King stated in 1968 remains equally true 43 years later.