RJC Statement on the Passing of Pres. George H.W. Bush

The Republican Jewish Coalition released the following statement celebrating the life of President George H.W. Bush:

The RJC is deeply saddened by the passing of President George H.W. Bush, who was an American hero. He served our country honorably, first as a naval aviator during World War Two, then as a Member of Congress, Ambassador, Director of the CIA, Vice President, President, and later in life as a humanitarian who promoted volunteer work, disaster relief, and many other worthy causes.

President Bush was a great friend of Israel, the Jewish people, and the RJC. Bush was instrumental in saving the Jews of Ethiopia and bringing them to Israel; he worked directly with Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin to assist Israel in bringing Jewish immigrants fleeing communism in the Soviet Union to Israel; he led the effort in the UN to repeal the “Zionism is Racism” resolution; and he stood up to the aggression of Saddam Hussein, who threatened the safety and security of Israel and the entire Middle East. We were honored that President Bush chose to work closely with the RJC, inviting us to the Oval Office to discuss issues of concern to the Jewish people, and we are grateful to have had those opportunities.

In addition to his years of service and philanthropy, President Bush leaves behind a family who are devoted to this country and engaged in public service and philanthropy as well. We are grateful for the service his children, including President George W. Bush and Governor Jeb Bush, have rendered to our nation. We take solace in knowing that he is reunited with the love of his life, First Lady Barbara Bush, an American hero in her own right. We offer our prayers and condolences to the entire Bush family.

 

RJC leaders meeting with President George H.W. Bush and Vice President Dan Quayle in the Oval Office.