The Rabbinical Alliance of America/Igud HaRabbonim joins the American people in mourning the passing of President George H.W. Bush and celebrating his service to the people of the United States, his leadership in promoting the cause of freedom around the world and his inspired embodiment of American patriotic duty.
President Bush exemplified noble service to this country in his experiences in the armed forces during World War 2, his later service in the C.I.A. and his terms as Vice President and President. As a nation, we learned from this great man the meaning of commitment, of service to others, of dedication to country. President Bush led this country through a period of great change and uncertainty, steadying the nation despite the turmoil around the world. He radiated confidence and professionalism, turning instability into opportunity and leading us into an era of innovation and prosperity.
President Bush stood strong for peace and security in the Middle East and around the world. He facilitated the immigration of Ethiopian Jews to Israel, negotiated the safety of Syrian Jews and was instrumental in securing the freedom of Soviet Jews. These political actions saved hundreds of thousands of Jewish lives from the threat of antisemitism.
In his speeches and in his actions, President Bush taught the nation the meaning of loyalty and service. This noble patriot taught the country that devotion to freedom around the world proceeded directly from the nation’s foundational principles. He taught by modest example and inspired universal confidence and admiration.
The Rabbinical Alliance of America sends condolences to the bereaved children, grandchildren and country. The United States of America has a lost great man who served as a role model of leadership. We pray that the country receives inspiration from his memory to serve others in a selfless and noble spirit.