One of the marchers in the Martin Luther King Jr....

One of the marchers in the Martin Luther King Jr. parade paid tribute to the civil rights leader by wearing a T-shirt with his image and carrying a flag. (Jan. 16, 2012) Credit: Newsday/Audrey C. Tiernan

A coalition of Jewish synagogues and African-American churches will join Friday in remembrance of the life and legacy of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. as they mark the 45th anniversary of his death.

The interfaith presentations will focus on the relevance of King’s “I Have a Dream” speech in today’s world, organizers said.

The free event, in its 10th year, will take place at the Temple Israel of Lawrence and will include a musical tribute by the renowned gospel choir of the Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem.

The guest preacher will be the Rev. Victor Hall, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Jamaica. Among sponsoring groups are the American Jewish Committee, the Anti-Defamation League and the World Jewish Congress.

Temple Israel Rabbi Jay Rosenbaum said the speakers’ reflections will touch current issues such as the gun-control debate, interfaith relations and racial conflict seen in light of King’s message.

“It should be an uplifting tribute in word and song, where we will be transmitting the message of Dr. King to young people and Americans today, across all racial lines,” Rosenbaum said. “It is especially important at a time when our world is torn apart by xenophobia and by extremism.”

The commemoration will start at 7:30 p.m. The temple is at 140 Central Ave.
 

Gregg Sarra sounds off on the Nassau Conference II football matchup between Calhoun at Carey, plus the comeback story of New Hyde Park's Gabriel Peter, an update on the high school fantasy football standings and the plays of the week. Credit: Randee Daddona, Gary Licker, Anthony Santino

Sarra Sounds Off, Season 3, Ep 4: Top football teams in action, fantasy update and plays of the week Gregg Sarra sounds off on the Nassau Conference II football matchup between Calhoun at Carey, plus the comeback story of New Hyde Park's Gabriel Peter, an update on the high school fantasy football standings and the plays of the week.

Gregg Sarra sounds off on the Nassau Conference II football matchup between Calhoun at Carey, plus the comeback story of New Hyde Park's Gabriel Peter, an update on the high school fantasy football standings and the plays of the week. Credit: Randee Daddona, Gary Licker, Anthony Santino

Sarra Sounds Off, Season 3, Ep 4: Top football teams in action, fantasy update and plays of the week Gregg Sarra sounds off on the Nassau Conference II football matchup between Calhoun at Carey, plus the comeback story of New Hyde Park's Gabriel Peter, an update on the high school fantasy football standings and the plays of the week.

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