Daniel Inouye, the longest serving member of the United States Senate, passed away on Monday. He died of respiratory complications, having been hospitalized for a week and a half at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. He was 88 years old.

A highly respected political leader and decorated war hero (he lost his right arm while fighting the Nazis, yemach shemam), Senator Inouye served in the senate for nearly half a century. He was also Hawaii’s first Congressman (Hawaii having become a state in 1959), and the first Japanese-American member of Congress. As the most senior member of the Senate, he also held the title of President Pro Tempore, making him third in the presidential line of succession, after the Vice President and Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Sen. Inouye was also known as a friend of the Jewish community, and an outspoken supporter of Israel.

Paying respect to the Senator’s memory, the National Council of Young Israel (NCYI) issued a statement, saying that it “joins with the people of Hawaii and the American public in mourning the loss of Senator Daniel Inouye. A well-renowned and well-respected public servant, Senator Inouye served this nation with dignity, honor, and grace for more than a half-century.”

The NCYI went on to refer to the late Senator Inouye as “one of Israel’s best friends in the Senate … resolute in his belief that it is in America’s best interests to maintain an unbreakable bond with the Jewish State.”

“His connection to Israel, which began when he sold Israel bonds in Hawaii more than sixty years ago, was enduring and genuine.”

Inouye was keenly aware of the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear program, stating publicly that an Iranian attack on Israel would be tantamount to a declaration of war on the United States.

Before that, Young Israel points out that he was one of the leading advocates of the Jerusalem Embassy Act in 1995, which mandates the relocation of the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to the country’s actual capital. The actual implementation of this law has been delayed by presidential order ever since, citing national security concerns.

Indeed, Inouye’s steadfast leadership and unwavering support of America’s only democratic ally in the Middle East is noted not only by America’s Jewish community, but by the Israelis themselves.

Expressing his condolences on behalf of the people of Israel, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said “I was proud to call Senator Inouye a friend. He was a humble man with a towering spirit, whose exemplary bravery on the battlefield during World War II was followed by an exemplary life dedicated to serving his country and defending its most cherished values.”

Netanyahu noted with great appreciation the friendship of American leaders dedicated to ensuring his nation’s security. “But even among these leaders,” said the Prime Minister, “the contributions of Senator Inouye stand out. His friendship to the Jewish people knew no bounds, and he worked tirelessly throughout his public life to safeguard the one and only Jewish state.”

“The people of Israel will forever owe him a profound debt of gratitude,” he added.

Echoing Netanyahu’s sentiments, Young Israel called Senator Inouye “a true partner of Israel and the Jewish people,” thanking him for his “longstanding and steadfast support.”

“May his memory be a blessing to us all.”

(Daniel Perez – YWN)