The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum mourns the passing of Congressman Tom Lantos, Holocaust survivor and member of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Council.

"For Congressman Lantos, the tremendous loss he suffered during the Holocaust was a constant motivation for speaking out against hatred and injustice in today's world. His was a unique, unhesitating voice on behalf of those facing persecution," said Museum Council Chairman Fred S. Zeidman. "His passionate support for human rights was matched by his commitment to the Museum, and we owe him our deepest gratitude."

Congressman Lantos served on the United States Holocaust Memorial Council from 1990 through 1997, and again from 1999 through the present. He sponsored the 1985 legislation that renamed 15th Street, SW in Washington, D.C., the Museum's address, to Raoul Wallenberg Place. Wallenberg's work saved tens of thousands of Hungarian Jews from being deported to Auschwitz-Birkenau, including Congressman Lantos. Wallenberg also received honorary American citizenship through a Lantos-sponsored bill.

A living memorial to the Holocaust, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum was created to inspire leaders and citizens to confront hatred, prevent genocide, promote human dignity and strengthen democracy. Federal support guarantees the Museum's permanence, and donors nationwide make possible its educational activities and global outreach. For more information, visit www.ushmm.org.