Posted By Adam Dickter
Political Insider: Moroccans Mourn Lantos
It is a testament to the broad impact that Tom Lantos had over his long career in public life that condolences are coming in from far and wide.
In a statement today, the Moroccan American Center for Policy expressed a "deep sense of loss" and hailed the human rights record of the California congressman, who was a Holocaust survivor.
"Chairman Lantos possessed an immense fondness for Morocco and a keen understanding of the complex political issues of the region," said the group's executive director, Robert M. Holley. "His lifelong commitment to promoting and protecting human rights has been felt around the world and in North Africa."
Lantos made several trips to Morocco as chair of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
The center's mission is to educate Americans audience that the Muslim world is not monolithic, and specifically that Morocco has been a friend to the U.S. and a welcome home to a thriving Jewish community.
"[Lantos'] passing is indeed a great loss to all Americans whose lives have been touched by his courage and the fruits of his public service," Holley said.
