NCSJ - 03.13.2008

NCSJ Saddened by the Loss of Soviet Jewry Advocate, Former Senator Howard Metzenbaum

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- NCSJ is saddened by the loss of former U.S. Senator Howard Metzenbaum (D-OH) who died yesterday in his Florida home.

Elected to his first full term in 1976, Metzenbaum was a strong advocate for Israel. He worked with the Jewish community on many domestic issues as well, including voting rights, hate crimes legislation, and religious freedom.

The cause of Soviet Jewry was a special passion. Senator Metzenbaum co-sponsored numerous resolutions and letters outlining the plight of the Soviet Jews. He publicly supported and adopted the refuseniks’ cause.

During Metzenbaum’s tenure in the Senate, his wife Shirley Metzenbaum was also active in the movement, co-chairing the Congressional Wives for Soviet Jewry committee.

Remembering Senator Metzenbaum, NCSJ Executive Director Mark Levin said, “He was one of Soviet Jewry’s biggest advocates on Capitol Hill. He was a compassionate and committed supporter of the movement. His contributions to the cause of Soviet Jewry will not soon be forgotten.”

NCSJ: Advocates on Behalf of Jews in Russia, Ukraine, the Baltic States & Eurasia, founded in 1971, represents the organized American Jewish community in monitoring and advocating on behalf of the estimated 1.5 million Jews living in the 15 successor states of the former Soviet Union.

Links
Cleveland Plain Dealer	Metzenbaum dies at age 90
Cleveland Plain Dealer	Metzenbaum remembered: Plain Dealer coverage
Reuters	Former Democratic Sen. Metzenbaum dies
JTA	Former Ohio senator Metzenbaum dies