MLK on Zionism: Fact and Almost-Fact

When I was little I used to like a kiddie show called "Bozo's Circus". There was a live audience of tots at every episode; this was such a coveted, hard to get privilege that it was not uncommon for parents to put their infants on the waiting list, in the hopes that years later when they were old enough, their turn for the show would finally come up.

In addition to cartoons and comedy sketches, the show always had contests and challenges involving the diminutive audience members. One aspect of these I remember is that there were never "winners" and "losers", just "winners" and "almost-winners". The prizes would typically be on the order of three bags of candy for the winners, and two bags for the "almost winners".

What is the relevance of this to today's holiday? Nothing all that deep, to be sure. But my brain made this connection today when I researched Dr. Martin Luther King's famous, oft-quoted "Letter to an Anti-Zionist Friend", only to discover, to my chagrin, that the letter is apparently a hoax, as confirmed by Camera and other sources.

However, although not actual, the letter is at least in tune with Dr. King's real personal beliefs regarding Jews and Israel; an "almost-fact", if you will. As he was positively confirmed to have said at a 1968 Harvard University appearance:

“When people criticize Zionists, they mean Jews; you are talking anti-Semitism.”

Here are some more genuine quotes from the man of peace, freedom, and justice whose legacy we celebrate today:

"I cannot stand idly by, even though I happen to live in the United States and even though I happen to be an American Negro, and not be concerned about what happens to the Jews in Soviet Russia. For what happens to them happens to me and you, and we must be concerned.”

“Israel’s right to exist as a state in security is uncontestable.”

“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.”

“I solemnly pledge to do my utmost to uphold the fair name of the Jews - because bigotry in any form is an affront to us all.”

Amen, brother. Rest in Peace