NCSJ - 08.30.2007

NCSJ Mourns Passing of Former Rep. Charles A. Vanik

Ohio Democrat, Jackson-Vanik co-author, fought to free Soviet Jewry

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- NCSJ mourns the passing of Charles A. Vanik (D-OH) who died today at age 94.

Congressman Vanik was co-author, along with the late Senator Henry “Scoop” Jackson (D-WA), of the Jackson-Vanik Amendment to the 1974 Trade Act, the historic legislation, passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, which links U.S. trade benefits to the emigration and human rights policies of Communist or formerly Communist countries. The legislation helped spur increased emigration of Jews from the former Soviet Union.

“The entire NCSJ family is saddened by the loss of a legislative giant who, with great vision and compassion, authored legislation that changed the course of how the United States confronted the forces of oppression,” said NCSJ Chairman Ed Robin.

“Charlie Vanik lent his name and prestige to preserve the right for Soviet Jews to emigrate,” said NCSJ President Lesley Israel.

NCSJ Director Mark B. Levin fondly recalled the many opportunities that he had to work with Rep. Vanik. “It was a privilege to have known and worked with an elected official truly committed to the advancement of human rights and Jewish concerns. There are few who could match his compassion and heart.”

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 - updated Sep. 20

Associated Press

Cleveland Jewish News

Cleveland Plain Dealer

JTA brief

JTA obituary

Orthodox Union

U.S. Congress biography

U.S. Congressional tributes

U.S Congressional resolution

Washington Post