Jewish leaders paid tribute to late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham at a virtual event hosted by the Israeli-American Council on Tuesday.
Elan Carr, CEO of the council, described Graham's "profound commitment" To Jews and Israel, noting that Israelis had given him the same enthusiastic reception they once gave former Democratic Senator Henry "Scoop" Jackson. "It was extraordinary to see how deeply his work was appreciated and loved and embraced," Carr said, highlighting that Graham "treated people with decency." He added that the council was deeply affected by news of Graham's death, saying "All of us were stunned by the news of his passing. We truly were heartbroken."
Norm Coleman, national chair of the Republican Jewish Coalition and a former senator, announced that the RJC will present its first-ever Lindsey Graham Statesman Award at its annual summit in Las Vegas next month, at a gathering dedicated to Graham's memory. "Lindsey had so much left to give. He was not finished," Coleman said.
Betsy Berns Korn, chair of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, said Graham "spoke forcefully" Against antisemitism, confronted Iran and its proxies, and "built coalitions across the aisle." She stated that "Friends like Lindsey Graham come along once in a generation" And that "His conviction, his warmth and tireless commitment to the U.S.-Israel relationship leave an enduring legacy."
Rabbi Yossi Refson of Chabad of Charleston recalled that in October 2018, Graham took a call from President Donald Trump while at the Chabad for breakfast, urging Trump to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights by reference to a Hebrew Bible at the location.
Orna and Ronen Neutra, whose son was killed on October 7 while serving as an Israeli tank commander, credited Graham as "one of the strongest and most consistent voices in the Senate supporting Israel and calling for the hostages to be released." Orna Neutra said he never gave them "false hope" And told them only what he believed, concluding that "Our family and the hostage families will always be grateful for his time, his honesty and his steadfast support."