I first met Jack Lew, newly confirmed US Ambassador to Israel, during the Clinton presidency in 1993, at a breakfast for faith leaders. He was then special assistant to the president, responsible for policy development and healthcare reform legislation. He subsequently served under Bill Clinton as director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). He would go on to serve as president Barack Obama’s chief of staff and eventually as secretary of the treasury. As I got to know him, I found him to be a deeply sincere and committed Jew of the highest integrity, character, and intelligence – in short, a rare mensch of the highest order.
In a region where trust is often in short supply, Lew’s character will undoubtedly serve as a foundation for building fruitful relationships and fostering understanding. Intellect is another key asset that he brings to the table, and his tenure as secretary of the treasury demonstrates his ample abilities. Additionally, his understanding of international relations, honed through his tenure at the State Department under then-secretary of state Hillary Clinton, equips him with the knowledge needed to navigate the delicate diplomatic landscape of the Middle East. During a visit to Iraq as deputy secretary of state, the convoy in which he was traveling narrowly missed a targeted explosive. He is no stranger to the combustibility of the region.
Perhaps one of Lew’s most endearing qualities is his humility. Despite holding some of the highest positions in American government, he has always maintained a down-to-earth demeanor. A rare but vital quality in diplomacy, humility enables dialogue and problem-solving. Furthermore, his knowledge of Judaism and Jewish history provides him with a unique perspective that will enable him to connect on a personal level with the people of Israel. Even while he served at the highest levels of government, he maintained his commitment to Judaism. Former president Bill Clinton told me that he once called Jack on a Friday afternoon but reassured him, “I know it’s Friday afternoon, but don’t worry, Jack, I will be off before sunset.” I once attended an Iftar at the State Department where there were two kosher meals served – mine and Jack’s.
Highlighting Jack Lew's humility and humor
I recall a personal experience that highlights both Jack’s humility and his sense of humor. My family was invited to a reception at the White House with then-president Obama. To enter the White House, we all needed to provide government-issued IDs, but my son Moshe, who was then a student at Yeshiva University, had only his school ID card. Lew was White House Chief of Staff at the time, and I asked him for his help. He personally vouched for my son to the Secret Service, and Moshe was allowed entry. Afterward, Lew quipped that it was nice to be able to give the Orthodox Union a hechsher – kosher certification. As an aside, Jack’s son Danny worked diligently at OU Kosher for a number of years; he then returned to study in yeshiva and is now a Judaic Studies teacher at a yeshiva day school.
As ambassador to Israel, Lew will undoubtedly be the staunch ally that the Jewish state needs during this remarkably difficult time. His character, intellect, humility, and commitment to the State of Israel are qualities that inspire confidence and make him the man for the job. When he was director of OMB, he commented to me that compared to being gabbai (sexton) of his synagogue, this was nothing. As ambassador to Israel, he will finally have a challenge even more difficult than serving as the gabbai.
The writer is CEO of OU Kosher at the Orthodox Union.