Updated August 27, 2018
A variety of Jewish groups issued statements mourning the death of U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona), who was the unsuccessful Republican presidential nominee in 2008 against then Senator Barack Obama (D-Illinois). Texts of their statements follow.
American Jewish Committee:
The American Jewish Committee (AJC) mourns the passing of Senator John McCain. A national hero who courageously survived more than five years of horrendous treatment as a POW in Vietnam, McCain served nearly 36 years in the U.S. Congress, following his retirement in 1981 from the U.S. Navy. He was 81 years old.
“Senator McCain was a statesman and a national treasure – and an avid supporter of Israel, an ally he first visited nearly 40 years ago,” said AJC CEO David Harris. “A passionate advocate for American global leadership, Senator McCain rightly bemoaned those who favored a U.S. pullback from world affairs.”
AJC had many interactions with Senator McCain during his long public service. In 2014, he addressed, for the second time, the annual AJC Global Forum in Washington, D.C.
“If America does not lead, others will, and they will most likely be those that seek to do us harm,” said McCain. “Withdrawing from the world is a luxury that America can never afford—not now, not ever.”
McCain admirably opposed the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, cautioning that it would not prevent Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon in the future. He also warned against threats to Israel and the U.S. from terrorist organizations in the Middle East galvanized by Islamist radicalism.
“Our nation has lost a brave patriot, a dedicated public servant, a rare voice of independence and authenticity, and a leader of conscience. He lived a life of dignity and honor. He will be sorely missed,” Harris added.
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American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC):
We join our fellow Americans in mourning the passing of Senator John McCain—an extraordinarily courageous defender of liberty.
Throughout his congressional career Senator McCain stood with Israel because throughout his life he stood up for America’s allies and our shared democratic values. As Chairman and longtime member of the Armed Services Committee, Senator McCain consistently worked to ensure that Israel had the critical resources to defend herself. In times of crisis, his eloquent voice could always be counted on to speak out in solidarity with the Jewish state.
The pro-Israel community has lost a stalwart friend and our country has lost one of her bravest heroes.
May his patriotic life inspire us all.
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American Jewish Congress:
To lose as titanic a warrior and statesman as John McCain at any time is cause for national sorrow. As Jews and as Americans, we are filled with sadness at the loss of this implacable ally of the Jewish people and Israel who served as the epitome of American patriotism. It is our hope – and we will do all that we can to ensure – that Senator McCain’s legacy of courageous, moral leadership will endure, and help light the path out of the darkness in which we now find ourselves.
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Republican Jewish Coalition:
The Republican Jewish Coalition notes with sadness the passing of an American hero, Senator John McCain.
Republican Jewish Coalition Chairman Senator Norm Coleman said:
Senator John McCain was a patriot and a fighter. He fought for his country in war and in peace with a dedication that was awe-inspiring. It was an honor for me to serve with him in the U.S. Senate, where he was a leader on defense and security issues. His record of service to our country is a testament to a great man. We are diminished by his passing.
Republican Jewish Coalition Executive Director Matt Brooks said:
We are truly saddened by the passing of Senator John McCain. He was a great friend of Israel and the Republican Jewish Coalition. A man of independent spirit and tremendous love of country, he forged his own path in a life of service and accomplishment. May his memory be a blessing.
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Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Joseph F. Dunford, Jr.:
“Senator McCain exemplified what it means to be a warrior and dedicated public servant. Both as a naval officer and as a member of Congress, he was a lifelong and tireless advocate for the men and women of the U.S. military.
“He traveled the world to meet personally with Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, to hear what they had to say, and to see firsthand our military in action on the front lines. Senator McCain recognized the sacrifice and hardships military members and their families can experience and proudly served as their champion in Congress. He visited our nation’s wounded warriors around the country to offer encouragement and to thank them for their service. Through his tenacious and selfless leadership in the Senate, he fought hard to ensure our Armed Forces remained strong and had the support and resources needed to succeed when placed in harm’s way.
“While we mourn Senator McCain’s passing, we are eternally grateful for his distinguished service to our nation, his advocacy of the U.S. military, and the incredible example he set for us all.”
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Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations
Arthur Stark, Chairman and Malcolm Hoenlein, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations issued the following statement:
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Preceding culled from news releases. Send yours to editor@sdjewishworld.com
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