Former Lieutenant Governor of Missouri (Democrat). Twice candidate for Senate. Head of the National Womens Political Caucus.
Nice Jewish boy from L.I. who became the 1st openly Gay elected official in the US when he was elected to the SF Board of Supervisors in 1976. Murdered in 78. Harvey built coalitions and was very funny.
Polish-born Jewish banker (1740-1785) who immigrated to New York in 1772 and played a key role in financing the American Revolution. He went broke supporting the Patriots cause. In an interesting side note, Washington had one Jewish officer on his staff (David Franks--see military category). In 1790, Washington wrote three letters to Jewish congregations around the country thanking them for their good wishes about his recent inaguration. The letter he wrote to the Newport congregation is found at the following web site. It is an important document because Washington explains that American democracy is an extraordinary advance in world history. While other countries were debating tolerance of minorities--Washington says mere tolerance is not enough--because "tolerance" implies an "indulgence to be given or taken away". Rather, Washington says (under our new government) "All possess alike liberty and immunities of citizenship". http://www.tncrimlaw.com/civil_bible/hebrew_congregation.htm
Sec. of State under Nixon/Ford. Brought "realpolitik" to foreign policy. His role in Cambodia/Chile was close to despicable. China, less so. His older brother was once asked why he spoke w/no accent, and Henry still had his German accent, said: "unlike Henry, I listen." Kissinger and his North Vietnamese co-negotiator were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1973. The North Vietnamese winner declined it.
Yaroslavsky is one of five Los Angeles county supervisors, an office with much more power than mayor of Los Angeles. Zev got his start in politics demonstrating in behalf of Soviet Jewry. Now he is chief executive of the part of Los Angeles county that includes Beverly Hills, Bel-Air, Hollywood, Malibu and much of the nicest parts of the San Fernando Valley.
60s radical activist who had a great sense of humor. Co-founder of "Yippies". Chicago Eight Defendant (3, maybe 4 were Jewish). Called the grotesquely unfair trial Judge-(Julius Hoffman-Jewish) a "shonda for the g-yim". Annoyed him by claiming to be his illegitimate son. Abbie was fun.
