Tom Lantos was born on February 1, 1928 in Budapest, Hungary. His early years were marked by the rise of Nazi Germany and the persecution of Jews across Europe. Lantos joined the anti-Nazi movement in Hungary and became involved in resistance efforts, serving as a courier for the underground movement and delivering food and medicine to Jews in hiding.
After surviving the horrors of the Holocaust, Lantos immigrated to the United States in 1947. He continued his education, earning a Bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Washington and a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of California, Berkeley.
In 1981, Tom Lantos was elected to the United States House of Representatives as a member of the Democratic Party, representing California's 11th congressional district. He served in Congress for over 25 years, advocating for human rights, democracy, and international relations.
From 2007 until 2008, Lantos was appointed as the Chairman of the House Committee on International Relations, where he played a key role in shaping US foreign policy and promoting global cooperation.
Tom Lantos was married to Annette Lantos and they had two daughters, Annette and Katrina. Family was always a priority for Lantos, who cherished his time spent with loved ones and valued the importance of strong relationships.
Tom Lantos was a trailblazer in American politics, known for his dedication to human rights and his tireless advocacy for those who were oppressed and marginalized. He was the only Holocaust survivor to have served in the United States Congress, a testament to his resilience and perseverance in the face of unspeakable atrocities.
Throughout his career, Lantos received numerous accolades and honors for his contributions to public service, including being featured in the 1998 Academy Award-winning documentary The Last Days, produced by Steven Spielberg's Shoah Foundation.
Tom Lantos passed away on February 11, 2008, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, courage, and unwavering commitment to justice and equality for all.
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