ZOA President Morton A Klein and Chairman Mark Levenson, Esq. released the following statement:

The Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) deeply mourns the passing of U.S. Senator John McCain, a great American patriot and a great friend of the Jewish state of Israel. In Mort Klein’s dealings with Senator McCain, it was always clear that McCain understood the truth and reality of the Arab-Islamic war against Israel and the West. McCain always worked to strengthen Israel and minimize the dangers Israel faced from its hostile Arab neighbors.

In one of his conversations with Klein, Senator McCain discussed the great respect McCain had for Senator Joe Lieberman. It is quite telling that in enumerating some of Lieberman’s qualities that McCain loved, he made a strong point of appreciating Lieberman’s fierce commitment to “America’s greatest and most reliable ally, the democratic and Jewish state of Israel.” McCain also once said to Klein how much better Israel would have been treated had McCain become president. McCain added that he wanted to strengthen even further the U.S.-Israel relationship. When Israel needed a strong, supportive voice in the Senate, Senator John McCain was always there. When the U.S. armed forces needed a strong, supportive voice in the Senate, Senator John McCain was always there. Senator John McCain’s passing is a great loss to America, Israel, and the world.

The ZOA expresses our sincere condolences to his wife, children, family and friends. His extraordinary life and achievements will never be forgotten. He will always remain in our hearts.