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.
"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.