Holocaust survivor’s son is Israel’s first man in space

Israel’s first astronaut, hailed as the John Glenn of his nation, rode the space shuttle Columbia into earth’s orbit on Thursday along with six US Astronauts on a marathon 16-day science mission.

Astronaut Ilan Ramon is a colonel and fighter Pilot in the Israeli Air force. His flight had added significance for Israelis because he is the son of a Holocaust survivor — his mother, Tonya Wolferman, was at Auschwitz. Daniel Ayalon, Israel’s ambassador to the US was present for the launch.

Glenn was the first American to orbit the earth, in 1962. Ramon’s primary task is a study of atmospheric aerosols, in this case dust storms, and their impact on global climate.

He will also eat the first Kosher food in space — lasagna and Mediterranean chicken are on the menu — as well as regular astronaut food. (Reuters)