“Israel is 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"
Like so many of
Martin Luther King Jr.'s statements, those words, so eloquently uttered at the
annual convention of the Rabbinical Assembly in 1968, are as relevant
today as they were when they were first voiced.
This week I had
the distinct privilege of participating at a MLK day of service held at Girard
College in Philadelphia and had the occasion to reflect on Dr. King’s legacy. To
me, the significance of commemorating Dr. King’s life lies in dedicating
ourselves to perpetuate the values that underscored his life-work, and which if
embraced, make our society, and any society, a better place.
The values Dr.
King imparted include, but are not limited to, an appreciation of the inherent
dignity of all people; tolerance and acceptance of the other; the practice of
civic engagement and civic responsibility. These should form the bedrock of any
healthy society.
Alongside the
United States, Israel is arguably the strongest democracy in the entire world. As it heads towards
elections this March, I am confident that those values will be manifested in Israel’s
voting process, open to all citizens regardless of faith or ethnicity, and that
Dr. King’s statement, praising Israel's vibrant
and strong democracy, will again be validated.
Shabbat Shalom,
Yaron Sideman
Consul General Of Israel,
Mid-Atlantic Region
Consul General Of Israel,
Mid-Atlantic Region
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