[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 56 (Tuesday, May 10, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 10, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                       TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL ALOUCHE

 Mr. REID. Mr. President, I would like to make the Senate aware 
of an individual who exemplifies the true spirit of a ``world 
ambassador'' for peace.
  Michael Alouche was born in Tunisia in 1947 and emigrated to Israel 
with his family in 1956. His father was a journalist and writer. His 
mother was a housewife who raised 14 children. The family left most of 
their belongings behind and went through the many hardships experienced 
by emigrants to Israel at that time. This included living in tents, 
learning a new language, and making new friends.
  Michael Alouche went through all those difficulties with courage and 
optimism. He always felt that living in Israel was worth even greater 
sacrifices. After finishing high school, he joined the Israeli Defense 
Forces to perform his national service. He decided to stay in the 
service and become a career noncommissioned officer.
  He served on the same base for 27 years and rose through the ranks to 
become a senior sergeant major, the highest possible enlisted rank. 
During his last 12 years of service, Sgt. Alouche was given a special 
assignment: leader and guide to groups of volunteers who came to help 
Israel and its people. These volunteers come to Israel through the Sar-
El organization which is the National Project for Volunteers for 
Israel. This process increases the bond between the people of Israel 
and their supporters abroad.
  During his 12 years of association with this program, Michael Alouche 
provided guidance to about 6,000 volunteers. Approximately 4,500 of 
those people were from the United States.
  His knowledge of Jewish history and tradition, Israeli geography, and 
current affairs, along with his friendly approach to people, made him 
one of the best guides in the program. His empathy with foreigners 
showed his humane character. His phenomenal memory and continuing 
correspondence with hundreds of volunteers made him an ambassador to 
the world, while never leaving Israel.
  Michael Alouche deserves our highest possible praise and recognition 
for his part in bringing about international friendship and 
understanding.

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