[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 66 (Monday, May 19, 1997)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E957] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] IN HONOR OF CHARLES BENDHEIM ______ HON. SAM GEJDENSON of connecticut in the house of representatives Thursday, May 15, 1997 Mr. GEJDENSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to note with great sorrow the passing of Charles Bendheim, philanthropist, Israeli patriot, husband, brother, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He passed away last Friday at his home in Jerusalem. He will be missed. Mr. Bendheim was born in Brooklyn, NY, in 1917. During the Israeli War of Independence, he helped the Hagana obtain arms for the new country. He remained deeply involved with the new nation for the rest of his life. Just before he died, Mr. Bendheim was cited as a Ne'eman Yerushalayim by the city of Jerusalem. This award, making him an ``Honorary Fellow of the City of Jerusalem,'' has been bestowed on only 15 other people. At a special ceremony in the Jerusalem City Hall, Mayor Olmert declared: ``For fifty years you have worked tirelessly for Jerusalem-- for its hospitals, educational institutions and the economic development of the city.'' Indeed he did. And he was just as active here in the United States. Mr. Bendheim served as a member of the board and the executive committee of Yeshiva University. He served as chairman of the board at Manhattan Day School. He was involved in many other charitable organizations in his 79 years--too many to list here. Mr. Bendheim will be fondly remembered at the schools he helped, at the Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem whose new building he helped build as chairman of the board, and the other institutions that his philanthropy benefited. But the way Charles Bendheim will be remembered best is through the family he left behind. Besides his wife and sister, Mr. Bendheim leaves behind 7 children, 45 grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren. By dedicating his life to serving his community, Charles Bendheim became a role model for generations here and in Israel. His children have followed in his footsteps, playing important roles in their communities. The Bendheim family continues to be involved in many schools, hospitals, religious institutions, and numerous other charitable organizations in the United States and Israel. Mr. Speaker, the world is a little darker this week. The light that was Charles Bendheim has been dimmed. But through his work and family, he will live on forever. He will not be forgotten. ____________________