Today, on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we honor the legacy of a leader who stood for justice, courage, and the transformative power of unity.
At the American Jewish Congress, we remember with pride that our President, Rabbi Joachim Prinz, stood beside Dr. King at the 1963 March on Washington, delivering a powerful address just before the iconic “I Have a Dream” speech.
In his remarks, Rabbi Prinz warned:
“The most urgent, the most disgraceful, the most shameful and the most tragic problem is silence.”
That moment wasn’t just symbolic—it was a powerful testament to the enduring alliance between communities committed to civil rights, dignity, and equality for all.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and American Jewish Congress President Joachim Prinz during the Civil Rights Movement
It was natural that Dr. King found close allies in the Jewish community, and in the American Jewish Congress in particular, united by a shared history of suffering and persecution and a shared belief in universal human rights. Speaking at the American Jewish Congress National Convention, Dr. King reflected on that bond:
“My people were brought to America in chains. Your people were driven here to escape the chains fashioned for them in Europe. Our unity is born of our common struggle… not only to rid ourselves of bondage, but to make oppression of any people by others an impossibility.”
As antisemitism and hate continue to rise, Dr. King’s call to build bridges—not walls—feels more urgent than ever. We remain committed to forging partnerships, standing up to hate, and building a future rooted in shared strength and mutual respect.
Together, we honor his legacy not only in words—but in action.
