The One Jerusalem family is mourning the death of actor Ron Silver, who fought against the tide in Holywood as he championed the cause of the United States of America, The State of Israel, and the unity of the Holy City of Jerusalem.

I met Ron shortly after the founding of One Jerusalem and I asked him why he was volunteering his name in support of a cause that would only bring him trouble in his professional life. After all, the entertainment industry is dominated by people who despise the State of Israel and who would gladly turn Jerusalem over to Yassar Arafat and his terrorist mob.

I will never forget his response to me. As an American, he said, we owe Israel our support because the people of Israel represent our interest and values in a hostile part of the world. As a Jew, Jerusalem is the heart and soul of our people.

Over the years, Ron helped good causes whenever he could. Once he chaired for us a panel discussion in Congress on Saudi Arabia's support for radical Islam.He also actively supported the aggressive Bush Administration response to 9-11.

A few months ago I received a call from Ron asking for help. He was with his son and he wanted our help in getting him and his son access to Auschwitz. He wanted to show his son the evil done to the Jewish people.

There will be much written about Ron Silver .

And we at One Jerusalem will always remember him for the courage he displayed in his personal fight against cancer, his patriotic commitment to the United States of America, and his unshakable support for a united Jerusalem.