The Martin Luther King Jr. - Israel Awards Banquet
The Martin Luther King, Jr. - Israel Awards Banquet is a gala event to be held annually in Jerusalem, Israel, to honor Black and Jewish leaders who have helped to further the friendship between these two people groups. This award is given to renew courage and vigor in those leaders to carry on their work. It is an expression of support, for the noble individuals, who have suffered and sacrificed to forward the call of “liberty and justice for all.”
This award seeks to bring attention, recognition and remembrance to the dynamic relationship between African Americans and Jews, particularly highlighting the pinnacle of that friendship seen during the Civil Rights Movement in America under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Giving his very life to the cause of human liberty, King was a staunch supporter of Israel. He stood with, and in support of the State of Israel unashamedly saying, “how easy it should be… to understand and support the right of the Jewish People to live in their ancient Land of Israel. All men of good will exult in the fulfillment of God’s promise, that His people should return in joy to rebuild their plundered land. This is Zionism, nothing more, nothing less.”
Equally, the Jewish community stood with, and in support of Reverend King, as they marched, fought and died for the civil rights of all Americans. In 1965, Morris Abram, President of the American Jewish Committee, called Dr. King a “modern Moses,” recognizing him as “a leader and servant of peace and freedom… advancing the principles of human liberty.”
This award is given in remembrance of Dr. King; in recognition of those same attributes found in modern leaders; and directing attention to the powerful spiritual and historical alliance between Blacks and Jews.
Awardees are recognized in the following categories: Education, Literature, Arts, Politics, Religion, Entertainment, Sports, Music and the Lifetime Humanitarian Award.
Nominees are made through the Fellowship of Israel and Black America’s Board of Directors. Selections of the award recipients are determined by a special five member committee made up of a diverse group of experts from both the African American and Jewish communities.
Held at the official residence of the President of Israel , the event in Israel includes a seven-day tour of the Holy Land with award recipients and a contingency of African American and Jewish leaders and celebrities.
The Martin Luther King, Jr. – Israel Awards Banquet is hosted by Pastor Glenn Plummer, numerous affiliates and organizations.
In connection with the MLK/Israel Awards event, a commemorative memorial sculpture will also be established in Jerusalem, Israel to recognize the leadership and alliance between Blacks and Jews during the American Civil Rights Movement. Further, a sister memorial will be erected on American soil as well.
In our fellowship of suffering -- through slavery, bigotry, persecution, torture and death, both the African American and the Jew, have found solace in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Embodied in both of these people groups, is an infallible fight for justice for all humankind, and an undisturbed faith in God.
The victories gained by humanity, because of this sacred alliance, between the African American and the Jewish people should not be forgotten. This Martin Luther King - Israel Award will help Israel, America and the world remember!