(JNS.org) Jewish leaders praised U.S. Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA), who announced his intent to retire, for his contributions to the U.S.-Israel relationship. Waxman represented southern California for 20 terms in the House. “Henry Waxman has devoted his career to fulfilling the Jewish concept of tikkun olam— repairing the world. In ensuring the safety of food and drugs, working to promote affordable health care, and being a stalwart leader in building a strong U.S.-Israel relationship,” William Daroff, director of the Washington Office of the Jewish Federations of North America, said. Waxman has been a champion of Jewish causes such as “the plight of Holocaust survivors and the U.S.-Israel relationship,” said Rabbi Jack Moline, head of the National Jewish Democratic Council.