[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 25 (Wednesday, March 9, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 9, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                     A TRIBUTE TO SYLVIA HASSENFELD

  Mr. PELL. Mr. President, during my tenure in the Senate, I, like many 
of my colleagues, have stood before this body on many occasions to pay 
tribute to individuals who, for some reason or another, deserve special 
commendation for their efforts. The common thread has been that the 
individual in question has performed some service, undertaken some act 
of heroism or devotion, or received an award or special recognition for 
excellence or achievement. In short, there is always something 
extraordinary about the individual involved.
  In some cases, I have known the individual well, and in cases, not so 
well. After 33 years in the Senate, I confess that at times I find it 
difficult to find the right words to ensure that the individual 
receives the tribute they deserve.
  But sometimes, Mr. President, there is that rare occasion when the 
individual in question is a true friend of such quality, that the 
pleasure of paying tribute assumes a special meaning. It makes my work 
easier, and I can speak from the heart. Today, Mr. President, is such 
an occasion.
  I am speaking of Mrs. Sylvia Hassenfeld, chairman of the board of the 
American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee [JDC], who, I am delighted 
to say, has been chosen receive the prestigious Emma Lazarus Statue of 
Liberty Award.
  Sylvia Hassenfeld is one of the most prominent and effective members 
of the American Jewish community. Although Sylvia Hassenfeld resides in 
Palm Beach, FL, the Hassenfeld family name is well known in my State of 
Rhode Island, where the renowned Hasbro industry makes its home.
  Mrs. Hassenfeld served as president of the JDC prior to assuming her 
current position as chairman. She also serves as a member of the Jewish 
Agency's board of governors, as national vice chairman of the United 
Jewish Appeal [UJA]. Aside from her work for the Jewish community, Mrs. 
Hassenfeld is also noted for her voluntary and philanthropic 
activities, including her efforts as a trustee of the Hasbro Children's 
Foundation, as a member of the New York University Medical Center Board 
of Trustees, as a board member of Johns Hopkins University's School of 
Advanced International Studies, and as a board member of the Jerusalem 
Foundation. She is also a Presidential appointee to the U.S. Holocaust 
Memorial Council.
  Mrs. Hassenfeld's unstinting efforts on behalf of the global Jewish 
community, and on behalf of humankind in general, have earned her the 
honor of the Emma Lazarus Award. The award is presented by the American 
Jewish Historical Society, the veritable guardian of American Jewish 
heritage and culture.
  Emma Lazarus, of course, was the esteemed poet who penned the lines 
that have shone as a beacon to generations of immigrants to the United 
States, ``Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning 
to be free.'' The award that bears her name is bestowed upon Americans 
who, according to the American Jewish Historical Society, have ``played 
a major role in improving the human condition.'' Past recipients 
include Edgar Miles Bronfman, Dr. Armand Hammer, and Dr. Abram L. 
Sachar.
  The addition of Sylvia Hassenfeld's name to this list of 
distinguished recipients will preserve the integrity and reinforce the 
prestige of the Emma Lazarus Award. Just as the words of Emma Lazarus 
inspired hope and courage in America's immigrants, the work of Sylvia 
Hassenfeld has inspired pride and appreciation in all who know her. I 
can think of no one better qualified or more deserving of this 
recognition than Sylvia Hassenfeld, and in all sincerety, I am honored 
to pay her tribute.

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