Dear Letter to the Editor:
As the celebration of Martin Luther King Day approaches, it is important to remember Dr. King’s strong support of Israel and Zionism.
In Memphis in 1968 Dr. King said:
“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.”
At Harvard shortly before his death, Dr. King also declared: “When people criticize Zionists, they mean Jews; you’re talking antisemitism.” Dr. King’s words make clear that he unequivocally supported Zionism and Israel, a fact that all Jews should be proud of.
Richard Sherman
Margate, Florida