January 31, 2006 – New York – The American Jewish Committee mourns the passing of Coretta Scott King. 

The civil rights movement has lost a devoted activist, the country has lost a champion for justice and the Jewish community has lost a loyal friend. Her commitment and passion in carrying on, after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a life dedicated to human rights and justice is her everlasting legacy.

Among the many AJC leaders who worked closely with Mrs. King over the years was Sherry Frank, longtime director of AJC’s Atlanta Chapter.   “I feel so blessed to have been able to work with Mrs. King and witness first-hand her concern for people and her unwavering commitment to black-Jewish relations,” said Frank, who participated in the annual King Week events, the periodic reenactments of the historic March on Washington, and in other programs that brought together blacks, Jews and other Americans.

AJC will long remember Mrs. King’s selfless solidarity with the Jewish community, especially in joining in the fight for the freedom of Soviet Jews, and in supporting the State of Israel in her quest for peace and security.

AJC joins with countless people who were touched by Mrs. King’s kindness and inspired by her determination to continue the struggle for a better America. We all feel a deep sense of pain and irretrievable loss.