Daniel Inouye

Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, Daniel Inouye volunteered for military service after the attack on Pearl Harbor, even though Japanese Americans were initially barred from serving. He joined the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, a unit composed almost entirely of Japanese American soldiers, which became one of the most decorated units in U.S. military history. Inouye himself earned the Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, and a Purple Heart, losing an arm in combat.

After the war, Inouye returned to Hawaii, earned his law degree, and entered politics. His rise was meteoric, becoming a state representative, then a U.S. congressman, and finally, a U.S. Senator in 1962, where he served for an astonishing 50 years. He was a key figure in the Watergate hearings and chaired the Senate Intelligence Committee, demonstrating a consistent commitment to justice and government oversight.

While Inouye's heritage was purely Japanese, his dedication to public service and his distinguished military career earned him immense respect across the political spectrum. His advocacy for civil rights and his tireless work on behalf of Hawaii and the nation made him a truly kvell-worthy public servant, even if he didn't exactly celebrate Rosh Hashanah.

So, not a Jew by any stretch of the imagination, but definitely a mensch, which, depending on who you ask, is arguably better than a