Commemrating the Rabbis Arrested in 1964

On Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at noon, the St. Augustine Jewish Historical Society hosts the annual commemoration of the largest mass arrest of rabbis in the history of the United States. This year, the event takes place outside the jail where they were held, the old jail annex at 4025 Lewis Speedway. (Near the St. Johns County courthouse.)

Presented by the St. Augustine Jewish Historical Society, this program will mark the anniversary of the 1964 arrests of 16 rabbis who came to St. Augustine to protest and march for civil rights for Black Americans. The event became known worldwide when the rabbis wrote and released a letter titled, "Why We Went to St. Augustine."

The commemoration, the reading of two documents, occurs on the steps of the old jail building. Avi Dresner, the son of Rabbi Israel Dresner, will read the letter his father sent to Dr. Martin Luther King, asking Dr. King to come to St. Augustine. A local dignitary will read "Why We Went", the letter the 16 arrested rabbis wrote while jailed.

Admission: FREE

When: Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at noon.

Where: St. Johns County Jail Annex, 4025 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, Florida 32084