Today, the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America released the following statement with regard to the tragic death of Senator Paul Wellstone and those traveling with him on an airplane:

The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America expresses its sincere condolences to the Wellstone family, the people of Minnesota and the “family” of the United States Senate over the tragic death of Senator Paul Wellstone.

Paul Wellstone was a dedicated family man and public citizen and a proud Jew. He championed causes large and small based, in large part, on the sense of social justice he learned from the Jewish tradition.

During his twelve years in the Senate, the Orthodox Union’s Institute for Public Affairs was privileged to work with Senator Wellstone on several policy initiatives – foremost among them efforts in support of Israel abroad and religious liberty at home — and Senator Wellstone was a regular participant in Orthodox Union leadership missions to Washington.

His loss is a loss for the entire American community. May we and his survivors all be comforted with the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.