PHILADELPHIA (JTA) — Famous Jewish Americans are featured throughout the first night of the Democratic National Convention, from Sarah Silverman to Bernie Sanders.
The convention’s first-night keynote speaker is Bernie Sanders, who lost to presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton in the primaries, but was the first Jew ever to win a major party’s primary. This week, Sanders supporters have protested Clinton, booed Sanders’ calls to support her and have announced plans to disrupt the convention.
Before Sanders speaks, a range of Jewish entertainers, activists and politicians will appear before delegates. The roster of elected officials includes former Massachusetts Rep. Barney Frank, New York Rep. Nita Lowey, Minnesota Sen. Al Franken and Sanders.
Musician Paul Simon will play the convention, and comedian Sarah Silverman will appear with Franken. Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, also spoke. Rabbi Julie Schonfeld, executive vice president of the Conservative Rabbinical Assembly, will give the closing benediction.
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