[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 139 (Friday, September 8, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S13135]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


   CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION OF THE DETROIT HEBREW FREE LOAN ASSOCIATION

 Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I am proud to rise to congratulate 
the Hebrew Free Loan Association of Detroit on the celebration of 100 
years of service to the Jewish community.
  The Hebrew Free Loan Association of Detroit was founded in 1895 to 
provide loans to Jewish people in the Detroit metropolitan area. Over 
the last century, this revered institution has made loans without 
interest to assist people in small businesses, and other endeavors with 
a particular emphasis on aiding people to do productive work.
  The Hebrew Free Loan Association has also provided aid to waves of 
immigrants and refugees arriving in the Detroit area. A critical part 
of its mission has been to assist these newcomers in getting their 
start in America and in bringing their relatives from the old country 
to join them. Many of our families in the Jewish community have 
benefited from such loans and have gone on to become successful and to 
help others. Remarkably, historically, more than 96 percent of the 
loans made have been repaid.
  Mr. President, this is an organization with old and strong roots in 
Jewish tradition, the Detroit community, and in American values. On 
September 10, the Hebrew Free Loan Association of Detroit will 
celebrate its centennial. I know all of my colleagues in the Senate 
join me in congratulating its president, Paul Hack, its executive 
director Ruth Marcus, its officers and directors, and all of those 
whose efforts over the years have contributed to this American success 
story.


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