The year 2023 was marked by conflict and uncertainty, one question that might resonate with many is: What would Martin Luther King Jr. have said about the current situation in Israel?
Today, as Israel endures 100 days of war with Hamas in Gaza, faces accusations of genocide from the international community, and deals with continuous attacks from Hezbollah in Lebanon, let's turn to King's heritage for ideas and direction. His principles of peace, justice, and equality provide a unique lens through which to view these challenging circumstances.
The Heart of the Matter
Martin Luther King Jr., a beacon of civil rights and justice, understood the importance of standing up against oppression and advocating for the disenfranchised. His support for Israel was rooted in these values, recognizing Israel as a symbol of resilience and democracy in a complex and perhaps, too often, turbulent region. Today, as Israel confronts multiple fronts -the war with Hamas terrorists that massacred 1400 Israelis and foreigners, and the war with Hezbollah - King's teachings on peace and justice become increasingly relevant.
In the face of Hamas's kidnapping of hundreds of civilians, with 136 still in captivity, one can imagine King advocating for their safe and immediate return. His commitment to nonviolence and human rights would have led him to condemn such acts of terror and call for a peaceful resolution. Similarly, King's stance on Israel's war with Hezbollah in Lebanon, which has forced Israeli civilians to evacuate their homes, would definitely have been one of support for Israel's right to defend itself while calling for an end to the war with victory of good over evil.
The International Perspective
The recent claims made by South Africa against Israel in the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, would have been met with close examination by King. Known for his ability to cut through rhetoric and seek the truth, King would have questioned the real motives behind these accusations. His approach would have been one of promoting dialogue and seeking justice for the real victims involved, not just a one-sided narrative - like the one South Africa is pushing.
He would probably say a few words about the fact that while South Africa's leadership pretends to champion human rights, it sides with Russia's Putin and Iran's dictatorship. No to mention the fact that in South Africa, every 2 minutes, a person is assaulted, every 12 minutes, a woman is raped, and every 19 minutes, a person is murdered. 5 of the top 20 most dangerous cities in the world are in South Africa.
One notable quote by Martin Luther King Jr. in support of Israel's existence is from a speech he gave at the Rabbinical Assembly on March 25, 1968, just 10 days before his assassination. In this speech, he 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."
The Broader Conflict
As rumors of a Third World War, or perhaps Ezekiel 38 war loom and Iran's Islamic regime continues to exert its influence through proxies in the region, King's vision for a world of peace and mutual understanding is more vital than ever. His philosophy of nonviolence and reconciliation might have offered a path to de-escalate tensions and promote stability in the region. King would have likely called for international cooperation to address the root causes of these conflicts and work towards a lasting peace. We know that the root of Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis lie in Iran - the head of the snake if its Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei - who fuels fear and terror in the Middle East.
In these tumultuous times, Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy of peace, justice, and equality remains a guiding light. His support for Israel, grounded in democratic values and the pursuit of human rights, provides a framework for understanding and addressing the current challenges facing the nation. The principles that guided King then, would have guided him today to take a stand for Israel's just war on evil, after facing a brutal surprise attack by Hamas.
In the face of war and conflict, Martin Luther King Jr.'s unwavering commitment to justice and peace calls us to stand with Israel, upholding its right to defend itself while tirelessly working towards a future of harmony and mutual respect.