Ruth Bader Ginsburg, first Jewish woman, to serve on US Supreme Court, dies at 87

A fighting champion of gender equality and an icon of American liberals, Ruth Bader Ginsburg died aged 87 at her home in Washington of complications from metastatic pancreatic cancer. President Bill Clinton, lauding her for “standing for the outsider in society” appointed her 27 years ago as the first Jewish woman to serve on the supreme court. Her death, six weeks before the presidential election, accelerated the political struggle for her successor. The Democratic candidate Joe Biden demanded that this appointment be postponed until after the presidential election, while Republicans are determined to fill the post with a conservative candidate without delay.

President Donald Trump paid tribute to Justice Ginsburg as “a brilliant mind” who demonstrated that “one can disagree without being disagreeable.” He added: “She was an amazing woman, whether you agree or not, she was an amazing woman who led an amazing life.” Tributes and flowers are pouring in since her death was announced.

Justice Ginsburg died on the eve of Rosh Hashana, after surviving several bouts of cancer over the years, while working continuously through various treatments. She was surrounded by her family

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