Originally published in Israel National News
Leading American Jewish organizations on Sunday issued statements expressing grief and paying tribute to US Senator Lindsey Graham following his sudden passing, praising the veteran South Carolina lawmaker for his decades of advocacy, partnership, and backing of Israel and religious freedom.
Major communal and rabbinic bodies highlighted Graham’s legislative record, his leadership on national security issues, and his relationships with Jewish leaders across the political and religious spectrum.
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The Orthodox Union (OU), representing Orthodox synagogues and institutions across the United States, issued a tribute honoring Graham’s long-standing collaboration with the organization.
“The Orthodox Union mourns the sudden passing of Senator Lindsey Graham, whose steadfast support for Israel and the Jewish people was a defining feature of his public service. Throughout his years in Congress, he stood firmly with our community and consistently championed the US-Israel relationship. We are proud to have partnered closely with Sen. Graham, through the Orthodox Union Advocacy Center, on many important policy initiatives including the enactment of the Taylor Force Act. OU Advocacy leaders regularly met with Sen. Graham and valued his insight, love for Israel and the Jewish people, and good humor. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, loved ones, and the people of South Carolina during this time of profound loss.”
The Coalition for Jewish Values (CJV), an organization representing over 2,500 traditional and Orthodox rabbis, pointed to Graham’s advocacy for religious liberty and educational freedom, as well as his commitment to US-Israel defense ties.
The organization said it “mourns the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham, a steadfast friend of Israel and the Jewish people, whose moral clarity and courage distinguished his decades of public service. He confronted antisemitism, defended religious liberty, and treated Jewish concerns with seriousness and respect.”
The rabbinic organization highlighted his understanding of the alliance between Washington and Jerusalem.
“Senator Graham understood that America’s bond with Israel is rooted not only in strategic partnership but in shared moral purpose. He championed Israel’s security with unwavering resolve, strengthened US-Israel defense cooperation, and stood firmly against efforts to delegitimize the Jewish state. His voice was consistent, principled, and deeply informed by an appreciation of Jewish history and its role in providing the ethical foundations of American and Western civilization.”
Cover Image: Lindsey Graham by Gage Skidmore, Accessed via Flickr with CC BY-SA 2.0 Deed