Would Martin L. King Jr. approve of the way Israel and Jews are being treated?

U.S. Senatorial candidate, Reverend Raphael Warnock, a question; “Do you believe the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. would have approved of the way Israel and Jews are being treated in today’s African-American communities?”

Our American political system over the last few years appears to have rapidly deteriorated into frequent toxic exchanges; just as the morality and temperament of candidates requires greater scrutiny. Nowhere has this been more apparent than in the recent general election and currently to a lesser degree in the Georgia Senatorial run-off election, scheduled to go to vote today, January 5th, 2021.

Comments purportedly attributable to Georgia, U.S. Senatorial candidate, Reverend Raphael Warnock appear to have raised red flags for what some may interpret as potential anti-Israel/antisemitic leanings. This includes insensitive, false and hurtful verbiage, much of which is dated, but may yet represent some latent hostility and therefore puts to question his ability to equitably represent his entire Jewish constituency with objectivity and empathy, should he win.

In addition and most concerning, is the message sent by accepting campaign assistance from current U.S. Congressional Representatives, Ilhan Omar, (D-Minn) and Rashida Tlaib, (DF-MI). Both women, when given the opportunity, appear to revel in their disdain towards Israel, and by extension to the Jews and others who actively support Israel’s biblical and historical legitimacy in the Middle East.  This serves to be a divisive issue to Jews in general. Such concerns may have gotten further credence, with Tlaib posting, “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” a popular slogan calling for the elimination of the Jewish state. Sensing she crossed a line, I understand this verbiage was later retracted, little doubt for political reasons.

Our parents often warned us, and with proven basis in-fact that we are judged not only by our own actions, but also by the actions and speech of the company we keep.

Reverend Warnock, was recognized per church publicity as “One of Atlanta’s 55 most powerful” by Atlanta Magazine; “A man of influence” by Atlanta Business League; in the “Top 10 most influential Black Ministers;” and hailed “A fitting heir to the mantle once worn by the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr.” As such, and with the understood ethical and moral responsibilities accompanying such accolades; Reverend Warnock, you should not appear to give credibility by innuendo, or by any other means to any person or organization under the microscope for alleged prejudicial slants that may promote malicious condemnations.

Anti-Semitism and Racism, are vile and both need to be vigorously opposed anywhere they raise their ugly head, but most importantly at the ballot box, for starters.

Yet, once again and seemingly, only minimally opposed; we appear to be re-entering an era reminiscent of the 1930s when haters began gradually testing the waters to see what mayhem toward Jews they could get away with. Bullies tend to do what they do because they can. To effectively counter this behavior, we must be assured that our elected representatives follow the credo of Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr.; which stipulates an injustice done to one is an injustice done to all, and must not be excused by any.

Imagine the pain felt by Jews, if any political candidate gives credence, even by insinuation, to Reverend Jeremiah Wright and Minister Louis Farrakhan; or likens Israeli involvement in Judea and Samaria to the “apartheid” of former South Africa; or promotes inaccuracies or falsehoods, “…the government of Israel shoot(s) down unarmed Palestinian sisters and brothers like birds of prey…”; or fails to openly oppose the lethal Boycott, Divestment, and Sanction actions that ultimately serves to challenge Israel’s very existence.

Lastly, a concern purportedly tied to campaign activity, occurred when U.S.  Representative Tlaib was alleged to state, “I also hope you realize just the opportunity here that Allah has given us to show the power of Muslims in Georgia.” To what end does this remark serve when we as a nation so desperately seek a balanced Americanism?