U.S.: 11th Jewish Senator - Brian Schatz

Jewish democratic vice governor of Hawaii -, Brian Schatz, was appointed tonight to the position of the state's new senator, replacing Daniel Ainawi. With the appointment of Schatz, the number of Jews in the U.S. Senate is 11.


Daniel Ainawi, Israel's greatest friends on Capitol Hill who helped develop the Iron Dome system, and the oldest member in Congress, died earlier this month at the age of 88. Ainawi received the "Medal of Valor" after he lost a hand in World War II.


His successor will be sworn in today (Thursday) to office, which he will hold up until the midterm elections in November 2014.

Schatz said that during his tenure in the Senate he will handle the issues of global warming, conservation of federal funds used for the Hawaii defense expenses and transportation, and activities with the federal government to allow native Hawaiians to form a government of their own - similar to Indian tribes in the United States.


"One cannot step into the shoes of Senator Daniel Ainawi, but what we want to do today is to find the right person who will follow in his footsteps," Schatz said yesterday at the party committee members which convened to select the replacement in the Senate. "I promise you, if I get the opportunity and the obligation to serve, I will try to make this my life mission."


Schatz, married with two children, was a member of the Hawaii House of Representatives and the state Democratic Party chairman in the past. He also led the Obama campaign, himself a native of Hawaii, in the last election four years ago. Schatz also headed social aid organization called "Hawaii helping hands".

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!