Various Jewish groups have released statements mourning the loss of former Secretary of State Colin Powell, who died on October 18 at the age of 84.
Powell’s family announced that he had died from COVID-19-related complications while battling multiple myeloma (plasma cell cancer) and Parkinson’s Disease. He was fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Powell had served as a national security adviser in the Reagan administration, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under President George H.W. Bush and became the first Black Secretary of State under President George W. Bush. According to Jewish Telegraphic Agency, Powell “brokered the ‘road map’ to a two-state peace deal that still informs much of U.S. policy in the region” and spoke Yiddish as a second language.
“We have lost a remarkable and loving husband, father, grandfather and a great American,” Powell’s family said.
Jewish groups tweeted out their condolences.
“Our thoughts are with the loved ones of Colin Powell, who we lost earlier today,” the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) tweeted. “The first African American Secretary of State and recipient of ADL’s highest honor, the America’s Democratic Legacy Award, Gen. Powell served his country with honor, integrity & will truly be missed.”
Our thoughts are with the loved ones of Colin Powell, who we lost earlier today.
The first African American Secretary of State and recipient of ADL’s highest honor, the America’s Democratic Legacy Award, Gen. Powell served his country with honor, integrity & will truly be missed. pic.twitter.com/y5vCdLcsfr— ADL (@ADL) October 18, 2021
The American Jewish Committee (AJC) tweeted, “AJC mourns the passing of Colin Powell, a soldier-statesman who served as the first African American Secretary of State and was a friend of Israel, of the Jewish community, and of AJC. We extend condolences to his wife, Alma, and his entire family. May his memory be a blessing.”
AJC mourns the passing of Colin Powell, a soldier-statesman who served as the first African American Secretary of State and was a friend of Israel, of the Jewish community, and of AJC. We extend condolences to his wife, Alma, and his entire family. May his memory be a blessing. pic.twitter.com/PyEUJUdiE5
— American Jewish Committee (@AJCGlobal) October 18, 2021
StandWithUs CEO and Co-Founder Roz Rothstein tweeted, “The elegant, brilliant Colin Powell, first Black US secretary of state, will be missed. He left his mark on the world, and was a true friend to Israel.”
The elegant, brilliant Colin Powell, first Black US secretary of state, will be missed. He left his mark on the world, and was a true friend to Israel. https://t.co/Pk06mB5ead
— Roz Rothstein (@RozRothstein) October 18, 2021
Republican Jewish Coalition Executive Director Matt Brooks tweeted that he was “sorry to hear” about Powell’s death. “May his memory be a blessing.”
So sorry to here this news. #RIP.
May his memory be a blessing. https://t.co/fiZTpiZ54y— Matt Brooks (@mbrooksrjc) October 18, 2021
Democratic Majority for Israel tweeted, “Today, our thoughts are with the family & loved ones of Gen. Colin Powell as we mourn his loss. Powell was a historic leader, a statesman and a dedicated supporter of the U.S.-Israel relationship. May his memory be a blessing.”
Today, our thoughts are with the family & loved ones of Gen. Colin Powell as we mourn his loss. Powell was a historic leader, a statesman and a dedicated supporter of the U.S.-Israel relationship. May his memory be a blessing.https://t.co/fld92lNUYM
— Democratic Majority for Israel (@DemMaj4Israel) October 18, 2021
The Jewish Democratic Council of America tweeted, “Colin Powell was a dedicated public servant who broke barriers in our military and government. We’re deeply saddened to hear of his passing, and our thoughts are with his family. May his memory be a blessing.”
Colin Powell was a dedicated public servant who broke barriers in our military and government. We're deeply saddened to hear of his passing, and our thoughts are with his family. May his memory be a blessing. https://t.co/gXIB42PXLW
— Jewish Dems (@USJewishDems) October 18, 2021
The American Jewish Congress said in a statement that they were “deeply saddened” by Powell’s death. “Throughout his life, he was a close ally of the Jewish community and a true friend of Israel. An American Army leader, politician, and diplomat, Powell epitomized public service, dedicating his life to both our country and the American people.”
They added: “He was a towering presence for America on the world stage, and for both his achievements and contributions, he will always be remembered as an American trailblazer and pioneer. We express our sincerest condolences to his family. May he rest in peace.”
