NCJW Rejects Comments by Robert Bork on Kagan Nomination
June 28, 2010, Washington, DC -- In response to Robert Bork's statement that Solicitor General and Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan is unfit to serve on the United States Supreme Court because of her admiration for former Israeli Chief Supreme Court Justice Aharon Barak, Nancy Ratzan, the President of the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW), issued the following statement:
"Robert Bork's statement about Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan is preposterous. General Kagan’s admiration for any individual legal luminary does not define her own capacity; but rather, reflects how her own legal brilliance is informed by her ability to learn from giants in legal arenas world-wide.
"'Judge Bork's comments are offensive. This week the American people will have the opportunity to learn more about Solicitor General Kagan's views on issues of significance to all Americans. We look forward to a respectful hearing process that sheds light on the most critical issues of our day -- issues that will be heard by the Supreme Court in coming terms and will define our fundamental rights for generations.
"'We have every confidence that the upcoming confirmation hearings will further illuminate that Elena Kagan will distinguish herself on the bench as she has throughout her stellar legal career. NCJW will continue to engage its members and supporters through our BenchMark judicial nominations campaign to take action in support of General Kagan's confirmation.'"
The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms. Through BenchMark: NCJW's Judicial Nominations Campaign, NCJW is engaged in a national effort to educate and mobilize NCJW members, the Jewish community, and friends and allies everywhere to promote a federal bench with judges that support fundamental freedoms, including a woman's right to choose.
Contact:
Emily Alfano
202 296 2588 x5; emily@ncjwdc.org