Grandchildren of Justice Brandeis Discuss Obama’s Historic Candidacy in New NJDC Video

Aaron Keyak — October 31, 2008 – 9:40 am | Barack Obama | Domestic Policy | Election 2008 | Israel | Republicans Comments (0) Add a comment

The National Jewish Democratic Council (NJDC) launched a new video that features two of the grandchildren of the late Justice Louis D. Brandeis, the first Jewish American to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. Brandeis served on the Supreme Court from 1916 to 1939. Click here to view the video.

"Justice Brandeis was one of America's greatest justices, an ardent Zionist, and a Jewish leader. We are excited that two of his grandchildren worked with the National Jewish Democratic Council in creating a video for Jewish voters concerning their grandfather's legacy and the 2008 election," said Ira N. Forman, Executive Director of NJDC.  "As Jewish voters go to the polls on Tuesday, it is important that they know Senator Barack Obama has a strong record on Israel and social justice issues."

In this video, Frank Brandeis Gilbert and Alice Brandeis Popkin reflect on Brandeis’s life and legacy in relation to the candidacy of Obama.

Gilbert states that his grandfather and Obama share a commitment to the "principles of social justice and the right to privacy." Gilbert also expresses concern about "the outrageous attacks on Senator Obama" and the similarities to the attacks on Brandeis. When Gilbert's grandfather was nominated to the Supreme Court, anti-Semites attacked him for his lack of "character." Popkin notes, "Senator Obama stands for the very best in America, in the things that Justice Brandeis stood for including the type of people who should sit on the Supreme Court." Popkin additionally states, "Senator Obama would certainly stand with my grandfather, maintaining the security of our democratic ally, the State of Israel."

"With Election Day fast approaching, it is important that the Jewish community fully understand what is at stake in this year's election. This important video is part of the final push to make sure the Jewish community goes to the polls fully informed about Obama," said Forman.

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