Merrick Garland — attorney general with roots in the Russian Empire
Merrick Garland is an American jurist and the 86th US Attorney General (2021-2025). He became nationally known when President Obama nominated him to the Supreme Court in 2016, only for the Senate to refuse a hearing — a historically unprecedented act. He was later appointed Attorney General by President Biden.
Tracing the roots — Vaikiai (Lith)
His grandfather Max Garfinkel fled the Pale of Settlement — specifically Vaikiai in Lithuania (Russian Empire) — to escape anti-Jewish pogroms and emigrated to the United States. Garland has spoken about how his family's refugee experience shaped his dedication to the rule of law and the equal application of justice to all.
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Vaikiai (Lith). At the time, this region lay within the Russian Empire, which spanned from Poland to the Pacific.
A career defined by ambition
"My family's story is the story of America. Refugees who came here with nothing and built a life."