St. Augustine Mayor Nancy Sikes-Kline, recently recognized by the Florida League of Cities as a “Home Rule Hero,” will read the 1964 letter written by 16 Rabbis caught up in the largest mass arrest of Rabbis in US History.

On June 18, 1964, 16 Rabbis and a Reform Jewish administrator, in St. Augustine at the request of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., were arrested and held in the St. Johns County Jail. Overnight, they wrote a letter entitled “Why We Went to St. Augustine” that will be read by Mayor Sikes-Kline as part of the commemoration.

The Eleventh Annual Commemoration of the largest mass arrest of Rabbis in US History will take place outdoors at the Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront, 32 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine, at 12 noon, Tuesday, June 18th. This 30 minute event sponsored by the St. Augustine Jewish Historical Society, is free and all are welcome.

Mayor Sikes-Kline received the Leadership Award for Public Service from the Enterprising Women's Leadership Institute, Inc. in 2011, the Adelaide Sanchez Award for Historic Preservation in 2017, and the Florida League of Cities Home Rule Hero award, consecutively from 2018 - 2024. She was recognized by the St. Johns County Cultural Council during Women in History Month 2021 and earned the Gold Florida League of Cities University Certificate for Elected Municipal Officials in 2023.

All are welcome, there is no charge. For further information contact SAJHS at www.sajhs.com, sajhs1565@gmail.com or 804-914-4460