News Brief13:03 PM

(IsraelNN.com) Hebrew University of Jerusalem has presented a posthumous honorary doctorate to the late US Congressman Tom Lantos, who died early this week at the age of 80. University President Menachem Magidor presented the award to Lantos's wife and daughter at a ceremony in Washington, D.C.

According to a statement issued by the university, the decision to honor Lantos was made in January, in recognition of his "dedication to the Jewish people and the State of Israel and his championing of human rights." The degree was originally scheduled to be awarded at the university’s annual convocation on June 1 in Jerusalem, but was moved up due to Lantos's failing health.

Lantos was the only Holocaust survivor ever elected to the United States Congress. He was first elected in 1981, consistently supported Israel and opposed businesses and governments that fund Hamas and other terrorist groups. In addition, he was a driving force behind Congressional Resolution 152, commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Six-Day War and the reunification of Jerusalem.