NEW YORK – On December 17, Senator Daniel Inouye passed away, after a career in public service spanning seven decades. On behalf of the Rabbinical Assembly, Gerald Skolnik, RA President, and Julie Schonfeld, RA Executive Vice President, issued the following statement expressing the RA’s sorrow following the passing of a dear friend and senator:
We mourn the loss of a great American, Senator Daniel Inouye, who was one of the greatest friends of Israel we have ever known. His long and meaningful service to our country is incalculable, and beyond his impressive nine-term career in the United States Senate, Senator Inouye embodied a humility and sincerity which is rarely seen in politics today.
On behalf of the 1,700 Conservative rabbis that comprise our movement, the Rabbinical Assembly greatly appreciates Senator Inouye’s thorough commitment to Israel and the Jewish people, which began as he recovered from serving courageously with the 442nd Regimental Combat Team in World War II. While serving as Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Inouye facilitated significant increases of U.S. aid to Israel and made a point to attend Israeli Independence Day celebrations in the nation’s capital every year.
We offer our deepest condolences to the family of Senator Daniel Inouye and pray that his memory continues to inspire generations of individuals seeking to serve their country.