[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 119 (Wednesday, September 10, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1725]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO DR. PAUL SOIFER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRAD SHERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 10, 1997

  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Dr. Paul 
Soifer upon his retirement as president of the board of directors from 
the West Valley Jewish Community Center and for his steadfast 
commitment in the Jewish community.
  Paul has given selflessly to serve the West Valley Jewish Center. 
Shortly after Paul accepted his title as president of the board of 
directors our community was devastated by the Northridge Earthquake. 
This earthquake forced the center located on the Bernard Milken Jewish 
Community Campus to close and subsequently relocate to a vacant 
warehouse. Unfortunately, like any devastating disaster, the earthquake 
resulted in a huge loss of membership. Paul would have to help rebuild 
the center on both an emotional and physical level.
  Paul rose to this challenge and exceeded all expectations. First and 
foremost he ensured that each and every program and service continued 
just as they had before the earthquake. In addition to overseeing the 
operations of the center, Paul did something special, he brought the 
Jewish Community Center Regional Maccabi Games to Los Angeles.
  As head of the JCC Maccabi Youth Games Committee, Paul was 
instrumental in organizing more than 1,700 athletes. He secured lodging 
for all of the athletes and ensured the smooth functioning of the 
event. The games were a huge success and Paul now heads the 1997 Los 
Angeles Delegation of the JCC Maccabi Youth Games.
  When asked to describe Paul the first thing that comes to his 
friends' minds is his ability to make a dream a reality. Paul has done 
this in more ways than one. He succeeded in rebuilding the West Valley 
Community Center. The center has returned to its original location on 
the Bernard Milken Jewish Community Campus and more than 1,200 members 
have returned to the spiritual warmth provided by the center. Today, 
the dream of a new state-of-the-art fitness center is reality in the 
making.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my distinguished colleagues to join me in 
honoring Dr. Paul Soifer. The Talmud says ``Great is charity. It 
uplfits the soul.'' Paul is indeed charitable and has uplifted the 
souls of countless members in our community.

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