Late Senator Frank Lautenberg
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Senator honored for service to Jews
Just several days before his death at 89, Democrat Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey awarded at annual gala for Hillel foundation with prize given each year to someone whose work has impacted Jewish life
New Jersey Senator Frank Lautenberg was honored for his contributions to the Jewish community and Israel last
week, just several days before he died at the age of 89.
A Democratic aide confirmed Lautenberg's death on Monday. He was the Senate's oldest member.
Lautenberg was feted in New York at the annual gala for Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus life. He was absent from the ceremony because of a chest cold, but it was broadcast to his home.
His wife, Bonnie Lautenberg, accepted the organization's Renaissance Award, given each year to someone whose work has impacted Jewish life. She choked up when she took the stage and the crowd rose to its feet.
Frank Lautenberg was honored for contributions including the Lautenberg Amendment, which grants persecuted people refugee status in the United States. He announced in February he would not seek re-election next year.
