Elliott Levitas obit

Elliott Levitas, Georgia’s first Jewish congressman, dies at 91

 

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Georgia's first Jewish Congressman Elliot Levitas has died. He was 91 years old.

Levitas served as Georgia's 4th Congressional District Congressman from 1975 to 1985.

He was born in 1930 in Atlanta. He graduated from Grady High School and graduated college at Emory University.

Prior to being elected to Congress, Levitas served in the Georgia House of Representatives.

When Elliott Levitas became Georgia’s first Jewish congressman in 1975, he was already known for being a public servant who had stood up against racism in the formerly segregated state. And he continued his call to aiding others years afterward, helping to lead a landmark class-action lawsuit on behalf of American Indians against the U.S. government.

The legal and political crusader against injustice died Friday, just 10 days before his 92nd birthday.

His political career started in 1965 after being elected to the Georgia House of Representatives, and he quickly became known as a voice for racial justice. His first act as a legislator was to cast a dissenting vote in the House’s refusal to allow civil rights activist and Vietnam War opponent Julian Bond to assume the seat to which he had been elected. Levitas was one of only five white legislators to vote to seat black legislator Bond, for which he received death threats.

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Former Georgia and U.S. Congressman Elliott Levitas passed away at the age of 91. He has been described as.a visionary leader, and trailblazer for the Jewish community, who worked to build a more just society.

“Congressman Levitas was a dedicated public servant committed to the state of Georgia and a trailblazer for Georgia’s Jewish community. Alisha and I send our condolences to Barbara and his entire family,”

 said U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff

Levitas was the first Jewish congressman from Georgia. He had two decades of political service. He is remembered for his work towards public transportation and the environment, gaining the nickname “Champion of the Chattahoochee” after working toward earning the Georgia trail its national park status.

“Georgia has lost a dedicated public servant with the passing of former Congressman Elliott Levitas. He was a visionary leader who challenged the status quo and worked to build a more just society. As both a legislator and lawyer, his example sets a high bar for those who follow in his footsteps. May God comfort his family, particularly his wife Barbara, in this time of grief.”

- Speaker Jan Jones (R-Milton) and Majority Caucus Speaker-Nominee Jon Burns (R-Newington)

Each year, more than three million Georgians get to enjoy the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. Levitas has a plaque to honor him here at the park.

Eytan Davidson with the Anti-Discrimination League said Levitas broke boundaries for the Jewish community.

“Justice was a lifelong mission for Elliott Levitas. His first vote as a legislator in the Georgia State House was against the recusal to seat Julian Bond, a representative who was a legendary civil right activist, and Elliot Levitas stood with him for a very difficult moment in history,” said Davidson.

In the White House, Levitas headed the subcommittee investigating the Reagan administration’s efforts to undermine the mission of the Environmental Protection Agency, never giving up until dozens of people responsible were fired.

After leaving Congress, Levitas worked with Davidson on the board of the Anti-Discrimination League and practiced law for the last three decades.

“He continued to fight for justice long after his career in public service, representing Native Americans who sued the united states government for land and trust,” said Davidson.

The $3.4 billion award to plaintiffs was the largest class-action award against the government in US history.