Statement on the Passing of Congressman Gerry Connolly, a Champion of Justice

Washington, DC – Following the tragic news of the passing of Congressman Gerry Connolly, J Street President Jeremy Ben-Ami issued the following statement:

“The United States Congress has lost a fierce champion for fairness, equality and justice. Those who work with and on Capitol Hill have lost a generous and caring colleague, mentor and ally. My heart goes out to Congressman Connolly’s family. This is a truly devastating loss for us all.

Congressman Connolly has been a close friend and ally for over a decade. He was one of J Street’s closest supporters since our founding, offering advice and encouragement that meant the world to a young, new and ambitious advocacy team. We are profoundly grateful for his years of friendship, guidance and support.

As his family has rightly said, Congressman Connolly lived his life to give back to others and make the world better. He was a champion for the disadvantaged and voiceless and a statesman of unyielding conscience. He was unafraid to speak hard truths and stand up for what’s right. We need those with his courage now more than ever.

Our thoughts are with his loved ones, his staff and his constituents. We will miss him dearly. May his legacy endure in the courage of those he mentored and the colleagues he inspired. May his memory be a blessing.”