Several Jewish groups have released statements commemorating Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.), who died July 17 at the age of 80. Lewis, a civil rights icon, was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer during a routine medical checkup in December.
“[Lewis] was honored and respected as the conscience of the U.S. Congress and an icon of American history, but we knew him as a loving father and brother,” Lewis’ family wrote in a July 17 statement. “He was a stalwart champion in the ongoing struggle to demand respect for the dignity and worth of every human being. He dedicated his entire life to non-violent activism and was an outspoken advocate in the struggle for equal justice in America. He will be deeply missed.”
“Broken-hearted to learn of the passing of my hero, friend & civil rights icon @repjohnlewis,” Anti-Defamation League CEO Jonathan Greenblatt tweeted. “He devoted his life to the pursuit of justice & taught us all about the importance of #GoodTrouble. I vow to honor his memory by continuing to fight for justice & fair treatment to all.”
Broken-hearted to learn of the passing of my hero, friend & civil rights icon @repjohnlewis. He devoted his life to the pursuit of justice & taught us all about the importance of #GoodTrouble. I vow to honor his memory by continuing to fight for justice & fair treatment to all. pic.twitter.com/dO5G89a97P
— Jonathan Greenblatt (@JGreenblattADL) July 19, 2020
American Jewish Committee CEO David Harris hailed Lewis as “a prophetic voice calling on us to live up to our highest values and greatest aspirations, to strive to make this nation a more perfect union.
“We are immensely grateful for his dedication to, and connection with, the Jewish community,” Harris continued. “He was instrumental in encouraging Black-Jewish dialogue, consistently outspoken against anti-Semitism, one of Israel’s strongest advocates in Congress and an active supporter of the Soviet Jewry movement in the 1970s and 1980s.”
Ronald S. Lauder, president of the World Jewish Congress said in a statement, “From the March on Washington to Black Lives Matter, Rep. John Lewis committed his life to the fight for justice and equality. He led by example, from his commitment to nonviolent protest to his unflinching belief in our nation’s capacity to become a more perfect union.”
“At a time when some nefarious forces are stoking division between the Black and Jewish communities, we should look to the model that John Lewis set for us and remember that Black-Jewish unity is the best way to achieve justice for both peoples.” — Ronald S. Lauder
Lauder also praised Lewis’ efforts to build bridges between the Black and Jewish communities, stating, “He was a lifelong ally of the Jewish people, a loyal supporter of the State of Israel and a vigilant voice against anti-Semitism. At a time when some nefarious forces are stoking division between the Black and Jewish communities, we should look to the model that John Lewis set for us and remember that Black-Jewish unity is the best way to achieve justice for both peoples.”
The Democratic Majority for Israel (DMFI) thanked Lewis for his leadership in the constant struggle for justice in the United States, noting, “Although we lost him at a time when we need him so much, he’ll continue to be an example to all of us.”
The organization went on to highlight how “Lewis walked with Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the 1965 March on Selma. DMFI’s board and staff extend condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.”
The Jewish Democratic Council of America tweeted, “John Lewis inspired us to do better, as Jews and as Americans. He will forever inspire us to continue the fight for racial justice and to build a better future for the next generation. He will be deeply missed.”
Jewish Council of Public Affairs president and CEO David Bernstein said in a statement, “The best way to honor Congressman Lewis is to join people of color and redouble our effort to ending racial disparity in America. His work and legacy live on in our work.”
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