The African American Community’s Historic Support of Israel

“While Martin Luther King Jr. is rightfully known for his pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement in the U.S., what is less known – but well worth remembering – is that Dr. King saw a clear parallel between the struggle of his own people for equality and the struggle of another group familiar with oppression: the Jewish people.”

As we celebrate Black History Month, we also celebrate the African-American community’s historic support of Israel.

An excerpt from our new booklet “On the Frontlines of Faith” – written by Dr. Edward L. Branch, pastor of Third New Hope Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan, and member of The Fellowship's African-American Advisory Council, with reflections by Rabbi Eckstein shines a light on this rich history.  

In April 1975, prominent African-American leaders gathered in New York City at the request of A. Philip Randolph, a key leader in the Civil Rights Movement during the 1960s, for the formation of an organization for black Americans to demonstrate support for Israel. Thus BASIC was born – Black Americans to Support Israel Committee.

“We are here to express our support for the State of Israel,” said Bayard Rustin, executive director of REF (the Randolph Education Fund). “Whenever minorities seek justice, they have to defend democracy. We seek to defend democracy in the Mideast and therefore we support Israel.”

Randolph, who noted that American Jewry had always supported the rights of African- Americans, said: “I would like to see the blacks of America register their support for the State of Israel. It will be a crime for anyone, and especially for blacks, not to support the just cause of Israel.”

While Dr. King is rightfully known for his pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement in the U.S., what is less known – but well worth remembering – is that Dr. King saw a clear parallel between the struggle of his own people for equality and the struggle of another group familiar with oppression: the Jewish people.

Dr. King was also a staunch supporter of the modern state of Israel, which was born during his lifetime. At a 1968 national rabbinical convention he said, “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.” 
Go to ifcj.ca/frontlines to receive your free copy of “On the Frontlines of Faith: The Historical and Spiritual Bonds between African-Americans and Jews.”

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“While Martin Luther King Jr. is rightfully known for his pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement in the U.S., what is less known – but well worth remembering – is that Dr. King saw a clear parallel between the struggle of his own people for equality and the struggle of another group familiar with oppression: the Jewish people.”