[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 30 (Tuesday, March 11, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E435]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       IN TRIBUTE TO MORDECAI LEE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. THOMAS M. BARRETT

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 11, 1997

  Mr. BARRETT of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor and a privilege 
for me to pay tribute today to one of the most respected community 
leaders in my hometown of Milwaukee, WI: Mordecai Lee.
  The name Mordecai Lee has long been associated with excellence and 
one of our highest standards of civic pride. Mordecai Lee is moving on 
from his position as executive director of the Milwaukee Jewish Council 
for Community Relations after 6 years of outstanding service to the 
people of Milwaukee.
  Mr. Speaker, our communities and our country have always relied on 
the contributions of those individuals who have the ability to rise 
above and beyond the call of duty to make a difference in the lives of 
others, both personally and professionally. Mordecai Lee has 
demonstrated an unfailing and tireless commitment to the betterment of 
Milwaukee County, the State of Wisconsin, and the entire Nation. With 
his steady guidance and strong leadership, Milwaukee's Jewish community 
has emerged as a powerful voice in Milwaukee.
  We are surrounded by global conflicts, and the path to the peace is 
often a difficult road to travel. Yet we are constantly reminded of the 
necessity to pursue peace. Mr. Lee, with his dedication to the Middle 
East peace process, has been a voice of stability when many had doubts 
about advancing peace in the region and almost everyone had different 
approaches.
  When someone leaves a post of importance, it is often said that his 
or her shoes will be hard to fill. But I can say without hesitation 
that, in Mordecai Lee's case, this is an understatement. In addition to 
his excellent work on behalf of Milwaukee's Jewish community, his 
influence has been felt far and wide--from the leaders of nations 
abroad, to college freshmen in Milwaukee.
  Indeed, we need more people with his vision and energy to tackle the 
vast challenges we all face. Mr. Lee will continue his distinguished 
service to the people of Milwaukee as an assistant professor of 
governmental affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's 
Division of Outreach and Continuing Education Extension. Mordecai Lee 
deserves our heartfelt thanks for his years of dedicated service as 
executive director of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation and our best 
wishes for the future.

                          ____________________