[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 124 (Wednesday, September 11, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1564]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            A POINT OF LIGHT FOR ALL AMERICANS: DAVID MINKIN

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                          HON. MAJOR R. OWENS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 11, 1996

  Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor David Minkin, an 
individual whose concern for his fellow man and worthy philanthropic 
pursuits over the past six decades have earned him the love, respect, 
and gratitude of the many individuals he has touched. His life is a 
testament that human compassion is a factor that matters most in life. 
Mr. Minkin is a point of light for all Americans.
  Throughout his professional life as a real estate developer, builder 
owner and manager, Mr. Minkin has been viewed by those with whom he has 
been associated with as a fair, sincere, and loyal person. However, it 
has been his philantrophic deeds that have earned him the greatest 
respect and admiration of those whose lives he has touched.
  For the past 64 years, David Minkin has worked tirelessly in 
improving the health care for the residents of the Flatbush section of 
Brooklyn by continuing the fundraising efforts for the Kingsbrook 
Jewish Medical Center begun by his parents Rose and Bernard Minkin in 
1932.
  Throughout the past six decades, Mr. Minkin has held many key offices 
at the facility. He served as president of Kingsbrook until 1995 when 
he stepped down to assume the role of president emiritus and he remains 
the faculty's chief benefactor, leading fundraising efforts and 
contributing millions of dollars for the center.
  Mr. Minkin's first major contribution to Kingsbrook was the 
construction of an acute care facility named in honor of his parents in 
1967 in which he raised and personally contributed several millions of 
dollars. He later spearheaded the construction of the last three 
buildings of the nine-building Kingsbrook complex.
  During his life David Minkin has been recognized for his 
contributions to a broad spectrum of religious, cultural, educational 
and social service agencies, institutions, and organizations. His 
participation and recognition for many of these worthy efforts cross 
religious boundaries with recognition in the Catholic community as well 
as in his own Jewish faith.
  In 1976 Kingsbrook named a facility for skilled nursing care and 
rehabilitation services, the ``David Minkin Rehabilitation Institute'' 
in honor of his contributions and dedicated service to the facility. In 
addition, David was awarded the Medical Society of the County of Kings 
19th Annual Citizen's Award, in appreciation of his tireless efforts in 
improving the health and well-being of the citizens of Brooklyn through 
his unstinting devotion to Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center.
  Among his many other honors, David was awarded the Prime Minister's 
Medal from State of Israel Bonds, as well as the Ubi Caritas Award from 
Catholic Charities. A generous contribution to the Catholic Charities 
of Brooklyn and Queens resulted in a residence that would provide 100 
units of supportive housing for the elderly. In appreciation the 
organization named the facility in David Minkin's honor.
  At a time when charitable giving is decreasing, it is appropriate 
that we join his friends and family in celebrating this point of light 
for all Americans--David Minkin.

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