Sen. Lindsey Graham, Staunch Friend of Israel, Dies at 71
U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, one of Israel's strongest allies in Washington and a steadfast supporter of the Jewish people, passed away on Saturday following what his office described as a brief and sudden illness.
by COLlive Editor · COLliveU.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, one of Israel’s strongest allies in Washington and a steadfast supporter of the Jewish people, passed away on Saturday following what his office described as a brief and sudden illness. He was 71.
A Republican senator from South Carolina since 2003, Graham spent more than three decades in Congress, earning a reputation as one of the nation’s leading voices on foreign policy and national security. Throughout his career, he was among Israel’s most outspoken defenders, championing military aid to the Jewish state, confronting Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and forcefully advocating for Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorism.
Graham was also a familiar face to the Jewish community and frequently appeared at pro-Israel events. In November 2023, COLlive reported on his participation in a bipartisan Capitol Hill gathering alongside families of hostages held by Hamas, where members of Congress pledged their continued support for securing the hostages’ release and reaffirmed America’s commitment to Israel in the aftermath of the October 7 massacre.
In 2017, Graham was featured on COLlive after meeting with a delegation of Chabad shluchim and rabbanim on Capitol Hill. The gathering highlighted his longstanding relationship with Jewish leaders and his unwavering support for the State of Israel and the broader Jewish community.
Over the years, Graham made numerous visits to Israel, meeting with prime ministers, military officials, and families affected by terrorism. Following the October 7 attacks, he repeatedly called for decisive action against Hamas and urged the United States to provide Israel with the resources necessary to achieve victory. He also strongly opposed international efforts to prosecute Israeli leaders and consistently argued that Israel’s security was vital to American national interests.
Born on July 9, 1955, in Central, South Carolina, Graham served in the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps before entering politics. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1994 before winning election to the Senate in 2002, where he served continuously for more than two decades.
Although known for his outspoken style and influential role in Washington, Graham was especially respected in Israel and among Jewish organizations for his consistency. Through changing administrations and shifting political landscapes, his support for the U.S.-Israel alliance remained unwavering.
Tributes poured in from leaders across the United States and around the world. President Donald Trump called Graham “one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known,” while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mourned the loss of “one of Israel’s greatest friends,” praising his lifelong commitment to the Jewish state.
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