It was an honor and privilege to work on those campaigns in the 1970s in the newly carved Illinois 10th District. My little area of precincts in Unincorporated Des Plaines was as important to him as was Evanston, and he didn’t hesitate to teach me, new to the political world, new to organizing, just new. He taught, without condescension, but because he enjoyed seeing people come into their own. He wanted us all to be better, to strive, to embrace diversity, to be fair, loving, decent human beings. Zoe was my son’s second grade teacher. Rachel sat my kids. I see Abner Mikva as a person who was a great light in so many lives – and one who will be sorely missed. My heart is with the entire Mikva family. May his memory be for a blessing.

– Judith Kitzes, 7/5/2016