May 3, 2009 – New York – AJC mourns the passing of former Representative Jack Kemp, a cherished friend of Israel, a steadfast voice for civil rights, and a champion of the Soviet Jewry movement. The nine-term Buffalo Republican, who went on to serve as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and was his party's vice presidential nominee in 1996, died Saturday at 73.

"Jack Kemp was a man of exceptional conscience, vision, and accomplishment,” said AJC Executive Director David Harris, who first met him nearly thirty years ago. "He was a strong and trusted friend of Jews who sought freedom from Soviet oppression, of the State of Israel and the valued U.S.-Israel relationship, and of all who yearn for a secure peace in the Middle East.”

AJC worked closely with Kemp in the course of his remarkable career in public service. He addressed the organization on several occasions.

"He was fortunate enough to lead and excel in several careers – in Congressional leadership, as a visionary in the rescue of inner cities, as a voice for change in American politics, and in international human rights, not to mention his distinguished career in sports," said Harris.

AJC extends heartfelt condolences to Jack Kemp’s wife, Joanne, who for years served as a Co-Chair of Congresssional Wives for Soviet Jewry, and their extended family.