Statement from NJDC on the Passing of Rep. Tom Lantos
Listed in: Israel, NJDC News, Press Releases
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, the National Jewish Democratic Council (NJDC) released statements on the passing of Representative Tom Lantos (D-CA).
Statement from NJDC Chairman Emeritus Michael M. Adler:
"Tom Lantos was a genuine hero who survived the holocaust and went on to epitomize the American dream, rising from poverty to the highest levels of American government. Never was there a stronger voice for Israel in the U.S. Congress. And, never was there a stronger voice for justice. Representative Lantos will truly be missed. Our hearts go out to the Lantos family."
Statement from NJDC Executive Director Ira N. Forman:
"All of us at the National Jewish Democratic Council wish to offer our sincerest condolences to the Lantos family.
"Representative Lantos was a truly remarkable public servant. He stood up to the Nazis as a boy, and he went on to stand up for justice and compassion in the Halls of Congress as a man. He was the only holocaust survivor ever to serve in Congress.
"In Congress, Rep. Lantos was known as one of the Democratic Party's leaders on foreign policy. He chaired the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and founded the House Human Rights Caucus.
"Among his first major legislative accomplishments was legislation to give honorary citizenship to Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg, a hero, who protected Lantos and many others from the Nazis. He went on to sponsor U.S. aid for Eastern European countries that had broken the shackles of communism, and became a strong voice of conscience against human rights abuses in China He was one of the leading voices in the House for sanctioning Myanmar's regime due to human rights abuses. Among his other accomplishments, Rep. Lantos teamed with the late GOP Rep. Henry Hyde to secure $1.3 billion to fight AIDS around the world and to incentivize India to cooperate with international weapons inspectors."
"Rep. Lantos was also a tireless advocate for his constituents. Among his many accomplishments, he secured hundreds of millions of dollars in funding for public transportation to San Francisco International Airport.
"Tom Lantos never lost his fighting spirit. In April 2006, Rep. Lantos was arrested during a protest outside the Sudanese Embassy."
"Today, it was learned that cancer accomplished what the Nazis could not, and all of us who were familiar with Rep. Lantos and his leadership were shaken by the news of this great man's passing. He leaves behind a legacy of fighting for justice, compassion, and security. Tom Lantos will be missed."
