Rabbi strives to dismantle anti-Semitism, other hatred in honor of MLK

One faith leader from Westchester is promoting the messages of Dr. Martin Luther King as he tries to silence all forms of hate this Martin Luther King Day.

News 12 Staff

Jan 20, 2020, 9:11 PM

Updated 1,557 days ago

Share:

One faith leader from Westchester is promoting the messages of Dr. Martin Luther King as he tries to silence all forms of hate this Martin Luther King Day.
"If we want to actualize Dr. King's dream of only love can dispel darkness, and only love can dispel hate, then what are we doing besides saying words? What actions are we taking?" says Rabbi Levi Welton.
With tears in his eyes, Welton finds strength in famous words from Dr. King's 1963 “I Have a Dream” speech. Welton says that even 57 years later, that dream isn't quite a reality.
“Recent anti-Semitic hate particularly the violent attacks against the Jewish community are shocking,” says Welton. “But the black communities have been dealing with that for decades."
The rabbi says he hopes to heal the wounds of all the communities affected by the various acts of hate that happened during the Festival of Lights in just about every corner of the tri-state -- from Crown Heights, Brooklyn to Monsey to Jersey City.
"Hate is hate,” he says. “It doesn't matter if it’s a white supremacist or a black extremist.  What has to happen over here is people condemning hatred and people realizing every community has to have their narrative that has to be spoken about."
The rabbi from Lincoln Park Jewish Center says he continues to look forward, especially as he had the chance to spread Dr. King's message with other faith leaders at a press conference on the steps of New York City Hall.
"Dr. King was murdered for speaking up and trying to bring our nation together,” said Welton. “And in honor of Dr. King. I said this is the smallest action I could take. Standing shoulder to shoulder with the reverend and talk about love and bring our community together."
Welton says he wants to make room for more dialogue in the nearby communities, concerning fears and aspirations.


More from News 12
1:23
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators rally in Irvington during President Biden's visits to Westchester

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators rally in Irvington during President Biden's visits to Westchester

2:29
Sunny and mild Friday for the Hudson Valley; tracking rain for Saturday

Sunny and mild Friday for the Hudson Valley; tracking rain for Saturday

0:48
President Biden announces future opening of upstate microchip factory

President Biden announces future opening of upstate microchip factory

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

0:17
Village of Walden police: Suspects found in connection to shots fired incident

Village of Walden police: Suspects found in connection to shots fired incident

0:21
Rockland County DA: Haverstraw man pleads guilty in sexual abuse of 2 children

Rockland County DA: Haverstraw man pleads guilty in sexual abuse of 2 children

0:51
Indian Point oversight board, Holtec discuss decommissioning options of former nuclear plant

Indian Point oversight board, Holtec discuss decommissioning options of former nuclear plant

0:47
State police: DNA sample from human remains found does not match profile of missing Putnam teen

State police: DNA sample from human remains found does not match profile of missing Putnam teen

0:31
New mural of Yonkers hip-hop legend Mary J. Blige unveiled at Palisade Towers

New mural of Yonkers hip-hop legend Mary J. Blige unveiled at Palisade Towers

0:35
Police find evidence in burglary while investigating a domestic dispute in Monroe

Police find evidence in burglary while investigating a domestic dispute in Monroe

0:30
Wake services held for the Westchester correction officer who died in Bronx River Parkway crash

Wake services held for the Westchester correction officer who died in Bronx River Parkway crash

Motorists encounter traffic delays, road closures in and around Irvington during President Joe Biden's visit

Motorists encounter traffic delays, road closures in and around Irvington during President Joe Biden's visit

1:42
Newburgh senior housing manager asks city for help protecting residents

Newburgh senior housing manager asks city for help protecting residents

0:25
Dramatic video captures car fire in Nanuet

Dramatic video captures car fire in Nanuet

0:24
New York appeals court overturns Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 rape conviction from landmark #MeToo trial

New York appeals court overturns Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 rape conviction from landmark #MeToo trial

0:24
Breeze Airways expands services from Westchester County Airport

Breeze Airways expands services from Westchester County Airport

Vote 2024: Ask your questions for Congressional District 16 Democratic candidates

Vote 2024: Ask your questions for Congressional District 16 Democratic candidates

1:47
Saddle up for a western-style riding adventure at Hollow Brook Riding Academy!

Saddle up for a western-style riding adventure at Hollow Brook Riding Academy!

0:26
Luxury VIP experience coming to Woodbury Common Premium Outlets

Luxury VIP experience coming to Woodbury Common Premium Outlets

2:27
How to protect spring plants from frost and freeze

How to protect spring plants from frost and freeze