Minnesota's Jews celebrate as their 'mensch' Gov. Tim Walz enters the national spotlight

(JTA) — On Oct. 9, as the toll of Hamas’ attack on Israel was still being tallied, Tim Walz stood before a room of Jewish Minnesotans and condemned the invasion of two days earlier.

“If you did not find moral clarity on Saturday morning, and you find yourself waiting to think about what you needed to say, you need to reevaluate where you’re at,” the governor said at the event, which was co-hosted by the local Jewish Community Relations Council.

Those words resonated with Steve Hunegs, the JCRC’s executive director. He also said they tracked with Walz’s record.

“He’s a presence and well familia...