May 27, 2025, New York, NY – The American Jewish Congress mourns the passing of Congressman Charles B. Rangel, an extraordinary public servant, civil rights icon, and dear friend of our organization.
Congressman Rangel was a trailblazer. As the first African American to chair the House Ways and Means Committee and a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus, he dedicated his career to advancing justice, opportunity, and dignity for all. His loss is deeply felt across the nation.
For the American Jewish Congress, Congressman Rangel was a trusted and determined partner in the pursuit of peace, dialogue, and solidarity. Our organization has a long and proud history of leadership in Black-Jewish relations and played an active role in the civil rights movement. Our enduring partnership with Congressman Rangel built on that legacy, as together we worked to deepen solidarity and forge lasting bonds between the Black and Jewish communities.
Moreover, under the leadership of our Chairman Jack Rosen, we proudly worked alongside Congressman Rangel to advance peace in the Middle East, including through the Palestinian Economic Initiative, an effort we launched and championed to promote economic growth as a bridge to peace between Palestinians and Israelis. His leadership was visionary, rooted in the belief that prosperity and partnership could pave the way toward lasting reconciliation.
Congressman Rangel’s legacy is one of courage, conscience, and impact. We extend our deepest condolences to the Rangel family and all who mourn his passing. May his memory continue to inspire us in the work ahead.
(Photo Credit: American Jewish Congress. Former Congressman Rangel with American Jewish Congress Chairman Jack Rosen celebrating the organization’s 100th anniversary in 2018)
