Joe Lieberman, the shomer shabbos former four-term US Senator from Connecticut and the Democratic nominee for Vice President in 2000, passed away today in New York City at the age of 82 due to complications from a fall.
Lieberman was a self-described centrist Democrat who championed causes like environmental protection, and gun control. However, his willingness to deviate from party lines, particularly in his hawkish foreign policy stances, often sparked controversy.
In 2009, YWN reported that Lieberman walked nearly five miles from his home and shul in Georgetown to make it to the Senate in time for votes on healthcare amendments that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid had scheduled for Shabbos afternoon.
He also authored a book titled “The Gift of Rest – Rediscovering the Beauty of Shabbos.”
On a visit to the tziyon of Rabi Shimon bar Yochai in Miron on Pesach, former U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman – who spent the yom tov in Israel – was stopped by a a Chabad family from Miami who asked him regarding his experiences with the Lubavitcher Rebbe.
Senator Lieberman replied with the message he delivered at the commemoration of the recent 120th anniversary of the Rebbe’s birth.
His support for the 2003 Iraq invasion and subsequent war led to his rejection by Connecticut Democrats in 2006, but he won re-election as an independent with Republican and unaffiliated voter support.
Lieberman’s political journey took him from Al Gore’s running mate to a prominent supporter of John McCain, whom he hailed as a courageous leader in a 2008 Republican convention speech. He also became a close friend and ally of McCain’s on international trips.
Despite consideration as McCain’s running mate, Lieberman’s Democratic history and voting record made him an unlikely choice. McCain instead chose Sarah Palin, a decision he later regretted.
Lieberman reflected on his unique political path, acknowledging that his independence came with a price. He remarked that he was spared the distinction of losing twice as Vice Presidential candidate thanks to “God or the Republican delegates.”
Throughout his career, Lieberman embodied a commitment to centrist policies and a willingness to challenge party orthodoxy, leaving a complex legacy in American politics.
(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
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17 Responses
BDE…..While I didn’t always agree with his policy positions, he was among the few remaining political centrists who adhered to his principles and dealt with others with respect and civility. A great loss for the U.S. and EY.
Baruch Dayan haEmes.
A strong and respected voice of support for Israel has fallen silent.
an Israeli Yid
Bde
I had the honor and pleasure of knowing him for 55 years. I worked in his first political campaign where he won the Democratic primary for State Senate.
He was a neighbor and friend in New Haven. My condolences to his children and widow.
Baruch Dayan HaEmet
BDE
Bde. Sad he always made such a kidush Hashem!!
Alma Dshikra- 2000As a close advisor to President and Mrs. Clinton, Lieberman continues to play a key role in ensuring the continued incarceration of Jonathan Pollard.
BDE. In addition to being a hoshuve politicians, he was a nice person with sense of humor even when jokes were made at his expense.
Very Yashar man
Democrats elect Jews. Republicans don’t.
domenick00,
Most Jews elected by Democrats hate Judaism and Israel in equal measure. Joe Lieberman was an exception but had to run his last Senate race as an Independent since by then, your beloved party despised him.
Instead of spouting inane memes, get an education!
Berish,
Sen. Lieberman, Sen. Moynihan, and Sen. Moseley-Braun actually brokered a deal with Clinton for Pollard to admit wrongdoing and Clinton was all set to use his executive clemency powers to release Pollard from prison. Rabbi Ahron Soloveichik z’tz’l played a key intermediary role. But Pollard, after initially agreeing to the deal, rejected it. At that point, support for Pollard in Washington completely collapsed.
Eventually, during the Obama Administration, the US Parole Commission paroled Pollard in accordance with the law that was in effect at the time of Pollard’s arrest.
Baruch Dayan HaEmet.
domenick00,
There used to be a lot more Jewish Republicans, for example, from 1943 to 1978 there were three Jewish Attorneys-General in New York State, all Republicans: Nathaniel Goldstein, Jacob Javits, and Louis Lefkowitz. Eric Cantor would have become Speaker of the US House of Representatives until the nutty far right decided he was too sane and defeated him in a primary.
McCain instead chose Sarah Palin, a decision he later regretted.
McCain regretted it because he was a weasel. Palin was the only factor that turned what would have been a bloodbath into a respectable loss.
Democrats elect Jews. Republicans don’t.
That’s just not true. What is true is that Democrats elect antisemites, give them honor, and allow them to occupy prominent positions in their party. Republicans don’t. There is simply no room for antisemitism in the Republican Party, while the Democrat Party gives it an honored place at the head table.
Can we please show some respect for the Senator OBM and leave political discussions off this page. Joe was a special man.