[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 106 (Thursday, July 18, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1317]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO IRVING GEORGE LIEBERFARB

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 18, 1996

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Mr. 
Irving George Lieberfarb, a distinguished American from Lake Worth, FL, 
who recently passed away.
  Mr. Lieberfarb was a worthy and admirable individual whose absence is 
a tragic loss to his family and his community. He was very active in 
the B'nai B'rith movement, and his synagogue Petach Tikva Congregation, 
on behalf of many worthy causes. It was Mr. Lieberfarb who brought to 
my attention the matter of Varian Fry, an American who had saved 
thousands of Jewish lives during World War II, but had never been 
honored. In 1939 Mr. Fry had requested the State Department allow him 
to secure the passage of Jewish refugees suffering under the Nazi 
regime. The Government responded by reluctantly offering merely 200 
visas, and eventually put an end to his work by forcing him to return 
to America. When he criticized the U.S. immigration policy, upon his 
return, the Government shunned him and refused to recognize his noble 
deeds.
  I had read Mr. Lieberfarb's article about Varian Fry and was 
disturbed that the actions of this man were ignored for so long. 
Therefore, I introduced H.R. 3352, legislation to award the 
congressional gold medal of honor to Varian Fry's family in honor of 
his great accomplishments. Mr. Lieberfarb's efforts for this cause 
alone exhibits his concern for righteousness and justice. It was an 
honor to have known him.
  For this reason, I also wish to insert in the Record the kind words 
submitted by his family to the New York Times, on Friday, June 28, 
1996.

       Irving George Lieberfarb, of Lakewood Florida, died on June 
     26, 1996, Beloved husband of Irene, father of Jay and 
     Richard. Loving grandfather of Suzanne and Julie. Brother of 
     Mae Zeller, Daniel, and Eddie. Loving uncle of many nephews 
     and nieces. Always thinking how much he could do for his 
     family.
       We will never forget your positive influence and always 
     concern for the special interest of the many friends and 
     relations. With love and gratitude, your niece and nephews, 
     Warren, Bonnie, Monte and Jim.

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