Congressman Eric Cantor

Congressman Eric Cantor’s election on Nov. 17 to the position of Majority Leader of the House of Representatives is one for the books – the history books, that is.

When the 112th Congress convenes in January 2011, the Virginia Republican will not only become the second ranking member of the House, he will also enter the record books as the highest-ranking Jew in congressional history.

Cantor didn’t waste anytime basking in the glow, though. Just a couple of weeks following the Nov. 3 election, He met with long-time friend Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in New York City, along with Israeli Ambassador to the U.S., Michael Oren. According to a statement from his office, Cantor “reiterated his belief that compromise between Israel and the Palestinians can only be achieved through direct negotiations between the parties,” and urged the Obama administration to “make it absolutely clear that the U.S. will veto any effort by the Palestinians” to seek recognition of their state by going to the United Nations.