[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 145 (Friday, October 7, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 7, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                    THE AMERICAN PROMENADE IN ISRAEL

 Mr. RIEGLE. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about the 
progress that has been made on the American Promenade in Israel. The 
Promenade, once completed, will stand as a monument to the strong 
friendship between Israel and the United States. Funded entirely by 
private citizens, the American Promenade will be a national park at the 
gateway to Jerusalem consisting of 50 marble monuments bearing the 
flags and official seals of the 50 States, and the United States-Israel 
Friendship Botanical Garden featuring Biblical and State trees, flowers 
and wildflowers.
  In 1988, the year that marked Israel's 40th anniversary, I was named 
to the honorary National Advisory Council of the Joint Commission on 
the American Promenade in Israel. I continue to take provide in having 
my name attached to a project which so elegantly commemorates the 
American-Israeli friendship. But friendships between countries really 
are forged by dedicated individuals. As part of its efforts to honor 
those who have played a particularly important role in fostering United 
States-Israeli relations, the Joint Commission on the American 
Promenade will honor one outstanding personality from each State as a 
founding father of the project. As a member of the National Advisory 
Council, I am particularly pleased to recognize Mr. Louis Berry who has 
been chosen as the founding father from Michigan.
  Born to a working-class family in Liverpool, England, Mr. Berry came 
to the United States in 1922, bringing his widowed mother and five 
brothers and sisters to Detroit shortly thereafter. But even as he 
struggled to build a life of his own in America, he tirelessly 
supported the Zionist movement. Thanks to the deep commitment of 
individuals like Louis Berry, the Zionist dream was finally realized 
when the state of Israel was founded in 1948. Today, he continues to 
raise millions of dollars for Israel and volunteer his time and talents 
to numerous organizations including refugee committees, committees for 
mental health, Jewish charities, hospitals, synagogues, schools, and 
other educational institutions. His tireless efforts on behalf of 
Israel will long be remembered.
  Louis Berry is an exemplary representative of the special bond of 
friendship which is shared by the United States and Israel. I am proud 
to express my support for the American Promenade and for the Joint 
Commission's excellent choice of Louis Berry as the founding father 
from Michigan.

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