A San Diego rabbi was disinvited from delivering a benediction at a Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration, organized by Alliance San Diego and supported by the American Federation of Teachers, due to his support for Israel. Alliance San Diego confirmed it revoked invitations for pro-Israel speakers, citing concerns about potential disruption related to Zionism and anti-Zionism. Rabbi Hanan Leberman expressed disappointment, arguing that excluding him contradicted Dr. King's message of seeking common ground and equality, especially amid rising hate crimes against Jews.

The event, also sponsored by local unions and colleges, aimed to foster community and amplify collective power. Organizers stated that the speakers were still welcome to attend but declined, and insisted their intention was not to exclude Jewish voices. The incident comes as major teachers' unions have increasingly embraced anti-Israel activism, drawing criticism and prompting investigations into their handling of Jewish issues and Holocaust remembrance.