Heschel Recalled As a ‘prophet’ by Widow of Slain Civil Rights Leader

Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, the late Jewish philosopher and civil rights activist, was recalled as a “prophet” by Coretta Scott King here Monday.

King, president of the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday Commission, spoke at a meeting of the commission of the “common ground of faith” between her late husband and Heschel, who was a professor at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America.

She said it was good from time-to-time to be reminded that “people like Martin and Rabbi Heschel don’t come around very often.” She said the two men were friends and co-workers in the civil rights struggle.

Martin Luther King spoke to the Rabbinical Assembly of America, the Conservative rabbinic group, in March 1968, ten days before he was slain by an assassin in Memphis, Tennessee, and his widow recalled Heschel’s introduction of her husband. “Martin Luther King Jr. is a voice, a vision and a way,” Heschel said, “I call upon every Jew to hearken to his voice, to share his wisdom, to follow his way. The whole future of America will depend on the impact and influence of Dr. King.”

The commission heard reports on the observance of the King holiday last January, including the activities of the American Jewish community, Israel and at the Israel Embassy here where Coretta Scott King was the guest of honor.