Pro-Israel US Senator Lindsey Graham Dies at 71 After Brief Illness

Lindsey Graham, a prominent pro-Israel US Senator from South Carolina, has died at the age of 71 following a rapid illness. Born in South Carolina, Graham faced early family tragedies, losing his mother at 21 and his father about 15 months later, which led him to raise his younger sister. He graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1977 and earned a J.D. from its law school in 1981.

Graham served as a prosecutor in the US Air Force from 1982 to 1988 and continued his military service in the South Carolina Air National Guard and Air Force Reserves until 2015, retiring as a colonel. During his service, he was awarded the Bronze Star. After his military career, he worked as a private attorney.

Known for his bachelor status and having no children, Graham once remarked that he either did not find the right woman or that the right woman was wise enough not to make time for him. His death has caused shock both in Washington and Israel, where he was recognized for his strong support of the US-Israel relationship.