NEW YORK – World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder shared the following statement in response to the passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg:
“As Jews across the United States and the world welcomed the hope that comes with the first night of Rosh Hashanah, we learned of the devastating loss of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Justice Ginsburg was a trailblazer on behalf of gender equality, and she paved the way for women in the law and on the courts. She fought fiercely and unflinchingly to advance and defend the rights of women and minorities, and, in the tradition of Justices Louis D. Brandeis and Benjamin Cardozo, embodied the principle of equal justice for all under the law, as well as the Jewish value of ‘tzedek, tzedek, tirdof’ – ‘justice, justice shall you pursue.’
Three years ago, during Rosh Hashanah services, Justice Ginsburg shared, ‘The Jewish religion is an ethical religion. That is, we’re taught to do right, to love mercy, do justice not because there’s going to be any reward in heaven or punishment in hell. We live righteously because that’s how people should live and not anticipating any award in the hereafter.’
“May we follow in her solid footsteps, may we heed her words. Justice Ginsburg’s life is a legacy and a testament, and her memory will be a blessing and a lesson forever more. As we enter a new year, may her courage, resilience, and wisdom guide us all. On behalf of the World Jewish Congress, I extend deepest condolences to Justice Ginsburg’s family, friends and colleagues.”
About the World Jewish Congress
The World Jewish Congress (WJC) is the international organization representing Jewish communities in 100 countries to governments, parliaments and international organizations.
www.wjc.org
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