[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 69 (Thursday, May 22, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1031]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                        A TRIBUTE TO SHIMON EREM

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRAD SHERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 22, 1997

  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to rise today to recognize 
Shimon Erem as the recipient of the Lawrence J. Weinberg Distinguished 
Service Award. This award recognizes Shimon for his outstanding 
grassroots political service which has helped to strengthen relations 
between the United States and Israel.
  Shimon Erem has been a tireless leader of our community and our 
Nation recognizing the necessity of open dialog, particularly over 
difficult issues which jeopardize freedom and peace. He has personally 
arranged meetings among the leaders of France, Norway, Poland, Israel, 
and the United States, as well as conferences between Christian and 
Jewish pastors to better Judo-Christian relations.
  In addition to his national leadership Shimon has served our local 
community by participating in California statewide politics, while 
personally forging relationships between State officials and party 
activists. Shimon is a true champion of democracy locally in California 
and throughout the world.
  Shimon understands the basis of democracy and the need for strong 
leadership. He has headed several organizations including B'nai B'rith, 
the World Alliance of Christians and Jews, Center for Strategic Studies 
in Los Angeles, and countless others. The Los Angeles community and I 
thank Shimon for his exceptional service and dedication to the 
preservation of democracy throughout the world.
  Alexis de Tocqueville once said that:

       A people among whom individuals lost the power of achieving 
     great things single-handed would soon relapse into barbarism.

  Tocqueville meant that democracy would not survive without people 
like Shimon sacrificing time and energy for the benefit of this Nation. 
I honor Shimon Erem for his work toward peace and congratulate him as 
the recipient of the Lawrence J. Weinberg Distinguished Service Award.

                          ____________________