B’nai B’rith International has issued the following statement:

With the passing of Sen. Edward Kennedy, the nation has lost a stalwart champion of the disenfranchised. B’nai B’rith International mourns his passing. His tenacity in fighting for the underdog will long be remembered. Sen. Kennedy forged alliances across party lines – propelling him to an unprecedented effectiveness as a senator.

For 46 years, Sen. Kennedy dominated issues that might have fallen through the cracks if not for his perseverance: Civil rights, voting rights, and of course, healthcare.

As an organization working for comprehensive healthcare reform, B’nai B’rith will keenly feel the absence of his strong voice and guiding hand as lawmakers debate healthcare legislation. No one else had such an impressive record of looking out for the most vulnerable – children, the poor, and the elderly.

Through his long legacy of achievement, Sen. Kennedy has left an indelible mark on this nation that should serve as the ultimate model of public service.