Agudath Israel of America mourns the passing of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R – SC) at the age of 71. Senator Graham was one of the strongest and most outspoken defenders of Israel and the Jewish people in Congress. Senator Graham was well respected by his colleagues and knew how to skillfully work across the aisle when necessary. Agudah was proud to work with the Senator on many of our shared priorities including passing the Taylor Force Act and initiating the annual resolution honoring Religious Education Week.

Senator Graham represented the State of South Carolina, where he did not have a large Jewish constituency. Yet he was considered – and considered himself – a close friend of the Jewish people, especially the Orthodox Jewish community. Commenting on his close relationship with the community, Senator Graham said to our leadership at an Agudah Mission to Washington, “I may not be Orthodox, but I might as well be!” Our thoughts are with his family, his staff, and colleagues in the Senate, and the citizens of South Carolina.