COMMUNITY RELATIONS COUNCIL
PUBLIC STATEMENT
The Jewish Community Mourns the Death of Congressman John Lewis: A True American Hero
With the death of John Lewis, the world has lost one of the greatest heroes and leaders of the civil rights movement and a great friend to the Jewish community. The Jewish Federation of Greater El Paso joins the Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA) and all those citizens of this country and around the word who champion human rights and human dignity for all mankind in mourning the loss of a great supporter of the Jewish community who spent a lifetime advancing civil rights and Black-Jewish relations.
Lois Frank, past JCPA chair and a friend of Congressman Lewis for many years, stated: “John was an unwavering ally of the Jewish community. His most sincere, heartfelt love was for humanity. Not only HIS people, ALL people seeking justice.” “For a man of such celebrity this humble and gracious spirit prevailed. His neshama was pure…one of a kind.”
In 2008, Congressman Lewis received the JCPA’s Tikkun Olam Award: Partner in Repairing the World which recognizes individuals who demonstrate a deep commitment and extraordinary effort to improving the lives of people everywhere and who embody the Jewish principle of Tikkun Olam.
The best way to honor Congressman Lewis is to stay true to his belief that: “When you see something that is not right, fair and just, you have to do something.”
The Jewish Federation of Greater El Paso continues to stand in solidarity with the Black, Hispanic and all other members of our ethnically and racially diverse and beautiful community. We are committed to working together for justice and equal opportunity and against hate, racism, antisemitism and bigotry.
Debra Kanof, Chair
Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater El Paso and Las Cruces
Monika R. Kimball, President
Jewish Federation of Greater El Paso and Las Cruces