The greatness of American Jewry - editorial

• Published date: 29 March 2024
• Author: JPOST EDITORIAL
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

The lives of Joe Lieberman and Daniel Kahneman are a sterling testament to the highest level of achievement that American Jews have risen to in the last century

Lieberman, 82, a longtime senator from Connecticut, became the first Jewish member of a major presidential ticket when Al Gore chose him to be a running mate in 2000.

Religiously observant, he became one of the most visible role models for integrating Orthodoxy into the secular American world, and he did it with grace.

In announcing that he would not be running for reelection in 2012, Lieberman described what it meant for the grandson of Jewish immigrants to be considered for a role just a heartbeat from the presidency.

"I can't help but also think about my four grandparents and the journey they traveled more than a century ago," he said. "Even they could not have dreamed that their grandson would end up a United States senator and, incidentally, a barrier-breaking candidate for vice president."

Lieberman was a political peacemaker, starting as a conservative Democrat before moving over to become independent. His ability to reach out to all political colleagues defined his career. A lifelong staunch supporter of Israel, who made dozens of visits here, Lieberman fought for what he thought was right up until the end of his life. Last week, in one of his last public statements, he criticized Sen. Chuck Schumer, who recently made waves when he called for new elections in Israel.

"Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer last Thursday crossed a political redline that had never before been breached by a leader of his stature and never should be again," Lieberman wrote in The Wall Street Journal.

Although his principles ended up complicating his relationship with both Democrats and Republicans, Lieberman stuck to his guns and his integrity rose to the top. Today's politicians, including those running for the presidency, would fare well by taking a page out of his playbook.

Kahneman, who died Wednesday at 90, was a different example of an American Jewish success story.

The Israeli-born, Nobel Prize-winning psychologist broke new ground on the subject of how humans make decisions. His extensive research effectively launched the field of behavioral...