Israel group ‘humbled’ by Ginsburg cash gift before death
Legendary former Supreme Court Justice left funds to the New Israel Fund and several other groups which 'mean the most' to her
The legendary late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg left part of a cash prize to the New Israel Fund just one day before she died, it has emerged.
The civil rights group was one of several groups which “mean the most” to the famously liberal judge, it has been revealed by the National Constitution Center, which awarded her its 2020 Liberty Medal on 17 September this year.
“Justice Ginsburg decided to divide the prize among the institutions and organisations that meant the most to her,” said the centre’s president Jeffrey Rosen, addressing NIF. “The donation is a meaningful testament to the esteem in which Justice Ginsburg held your work, as well as being a tribute to her blessed memory.”
NIF chief executive Daniel Sokatch said everyone at NIF was “humbled and honoured” to be chosen by Justice Ginsburg, known affectionately to her legions of fans as ‘the Notorious RBG.’
“As a patriot, a legal giant, and matriarch of our Jewish community, she continues to inspire generations of Americans to fight for justice and democracy based on equality for all people. These are exactly the values we hold most dear.”
He added that NIF “will do justice to her faith in us and in all those who are working toward a democratic and equal future for all Israelis, Palestinians, and Americans”.
Past recipients of the prize include Nelson Mandela, Tony Blair, Stephen Spielberg, Shimon Peres, and the Dalai Lama of Tibet, with six recipients having subsequently won a Nobel Peace prize.
A fierce advocate for women’s rights, Ginsburg was the first Jewish woman to serve on the Supreme Court, dying after a long battle with cancer, aged 87. US President Donald Trump wants a female judge who abhors abortion to succeed her.
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