The entire J Street family is deeply saddened by the news that Elijah Cummings, Chairman of the House Oversight Committee and representative of Maryland’s 7th district, has passed away today. Our thoughts and condolences go out to the Congressman’s family and friends, to his House colleagues and to the people of Baltimore and all of Maryland.
Throughout his long and distinguished career, Cummings was the very embodiment of a devoted and effective public servant. He was a vocal advocate for vigorous diplomacy, for the two-state solution and for the rights and dignity of both Israelis and Palestinians. J Street has been proud to endorse the Congressman and to count him as a true friend to the pro-Israel, pro-peace movement and to the American Jewish community.
At a time when our democratic institutions, norms and values are under unprecedented threat, Chairman Cummings has been among their most steadfast and important defenders. His leadership will be sorely missed, but his legacy will live on in those who have learned so much from him and been inspired by his example.
May his memory be for a blessing.