Leaders of Both Parties Praise Javits at Rites

NEW YORK — Republicans and Democrats alike filled a synagogue Monday to eulogize former Sen. Jacob K. Javits of New York as a leader of great principles and courage who left an indelible mark on American politics.

Javits, 81, died Friday in a Florida hospital after a six-year struggle with Lou Gehrig’s disease. He was one of the earliest opponents of the Vietnam War and was considered the Senate’s leading foreign affairs expert. The liberal Republican, who served in Congress for 34 years, also championed programs for the poor and handicapped.

“In health and education, he changed the face of society,” said Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.) at the funeral at the Central Synagogue of Manhattan.

Former President Richard M. Nixon, Atty. Gen. Edwin Meese III, former Secretary of State Henry A. Kissinger and former Senate Majority Leader Howard H. Baker Jr. were among the prominent Republicans who attended the ceremonies.