Republican Jewish Coalition Executive Director Matthew Brooks said Sunday:
We mourn the passing of Jack Kemp, an unwavering defender of liberty and a dear friend of Israel, the American Jewish community, and the RJC.
Jack Kemp was a leader on pro-Israel issues from his very first days in Congress. He was a consistent friend of Israel and visited Israel frequently over the years. Jack never missed an opportunity to stand up for Israel against her detractors, in this country or abroad.
A staunch anti-communist, Jack was an early supporter of the Soviet Jewry movement and worked with great dedication to help Soviet Jews achieve freedom.
Jack's vision of the Republican Party was marked by inclusiveness and concern for the individual. He reached out to African Americans and welcomed the energy and passion of a diverse GOP. He was the original bleeding-heart conservative, whose desire to help the less fortunate drove his efforts for economic reform.
The RJC was blessed to have the opportunity to work closely with Jack during his decades of public service. He touched many lives and was a wonderful friend.
We mourn his loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with Joanne and his family. May his memory be for a blessing.