B’nai B’rith International has issued the following statement:

B’nai B’rith International mourns the passing of Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii). Inouye was a Medal of Honor recipient, a nine-term U.S. senator and dear friend of Israel. In addition to serving his country during World War II and in the Senate, Inouye was a key player in advancing U.S.-Israel relations and was a sincere friend of the American Jewish community.

Inouye died on Dec. 17 at the age of 88 due to respiratory complications. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.