When Ido Aharoni, Consul General of Israel in New York – whose stature could make one wonder if the diplomat were himself a player – presented The Martin Luther King Jr. Award Award to Knicks Assistant General Manager Allen Houston, he continued a tradition almost two decades long.  The annual tribute commemorates King’s “dream of peaceful coexistence between people of diverse religions, cultures, and ethnicities” and is given to “an individual or organization whose work has promoted ethnic and cultural understanding.”

The State of Israel, Jewish National Fund and Jewish Community Relations Council of New York cooperatively honor Dr. King’s “legacy of hope and peace strong and active.”  JNF plants trees in Israel’s King Forest.  The presentation was made during the celebration of Black History month, recognizes Houston’s work.

“This tribute today honors Allan Houston for his efforts in promoting diversity and tolerance,” said Aharoni, “Allan Houston embodies the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr through his work in creating a peaceful co-existence between people of diverse religious, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds.  Dr. King was a great friend to Israel and the Jewish people and was an advocate in the battle against anti-Semitism.  Israel proudly commemorates Martin Luther King Day with a special session of its legislature, as well as in every mission worldwide”

Pictured: Rene Reinhardt, JNF, Rabbi Robert (Bob) Kaplan, Knicks Assistant General Manager Alan Houston, Ido Aharoni, and Gil Lainer, Consul for Public Affairs at the Consulate General of Israel in New York.

Pictured: Rabbi Robert (Bob) Kaplan, Director of Inter group Relations for the JCRC; Allan Houston, Assistant General Manager for the New York Knicks; Ido Aharoni, Acting Consul General of Israel in New York; Gil Lainer, Consul for Public Affairs at the Consulate General of Israel in New York.