In a recent social media exchange, comedian Amy Schumer has ignited a conversation about Martin Luther King Jr.'s stance on the war between Israel and Hamas. The exchange began when Schumer posted a video featuring clips of the iconic civil rights leader speaking in support of Israel and denouncing antisemitism. The video caught the attention of King's daughter, Bernice King, who felt compelled to clarify her father's views on the conflict.

Schumer's video post included a clip where Martin Luther King Jr. can be heard stating that "Israel must exist and has a right to exist and is one of the great outposts of democracy in the world." In another clip, King denounces antisemitism as "wrong" and emphasizes that it is "unjust and evil."

However, Bernice King took to social media to provide further insight into her father's beliefs, stating, "Certainly, my father was against antisemitism, as am I," in a thread on X. She added, "He also believed militarism, racism, and poverty to be among the interconnected Triple Evils." Bernice King, who is an advocate for justice, made it clear that she believes her father would call for a cessation of Israel's bombing of Palestinians, the release of hostages, and efforts to work towards true peace that includes justice.

In response to Bernice King's clarification, Amy Schumer received a different clip from Martin Luther King Jr., this time discussing the concept of "moral power" and the importance of withdrawing from the Vietnam War. Bernice King urged Schumer to read her father's book, "Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?"

Schumer has been a vocal supporter of Israel, frequently posting about the ongoing conflict and advocating for the release of hostages. She recently praised Senator Chuck Schumer, who is a distant relative, for his efforts in "pushing a very fair bill that gives Israel the money she needs to defend herself and provide ample funds to protect innocent civilians in Gaza."

The exchange between Schumer and Bernice King highlights the complexity of MLK's views on various issues. While he strongly denounced antisemitism and acknowledged Israel's right to exist, his daughter believes his principles of justice and peace would have compelled him to advocate for a cease-fire in the current conflict.

As the dialogue continues, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing importance of open conversations and understanding different perspectives in order to work towards a world free from oppression and the interconnected Triple Evils of militarism, racism, and poverty.