[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 10 (Wednesday, February 11, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E141-E142]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING JACK B. LEVY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GARY L. ACKERMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 11, 1998

  Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join with my constituents 
and the friends and family of Jack B. Levy as they gather in Long 
Beach, New York to celebrate his 100th birthday. Jack is the 
quintessential example of the American success story and exudes those 
characteristics and traits that are part of the great American 
heritage. Born on February 25, 1898 in Levov, Russia as Yankel Levov, 
he immigrated to America at age 15. Passing through Ellis Island and by 
the whim of an immigrant inspector, he emerged into his new country as 
Jack B. Levy.
  Having been taken in by his aunt and uncle, Jack took advantage of 
the many opportunities being offered him and on his second day in 
America began his first job. Jack was not one to sit idly by and 
undertook a series of jobs that would include cab driver, train 
engineer and anything else at which he could earn a living working 12 
hours a day seven days a week. With a voracious appetite for reading 
the daily papers, a habit which he still maintains, Jack quickly 
learned to read and write English. He soon became a citizen and 
established the practice of having voted in every local and national 
election.
  In 1924, he married Mollie Steinman and began a family that was to 
include his children, Lawrence, Aaron and Irene, eight grandchildren 
and twelve great-grandchildren. Much to the perseverance and dedication 
of their parents, the work ethic, the concept of community service and 
giving of one's self to help others became ingrained in their daily 
lives.
  Retirement has not changed Jack as is evidenced by the County of 
Nassau recognizing him for his outstanding work among senior citizens. 
Not only has he continued to be a source of joy and enlightenment to 
his entire family, he has also taken his many talents and effectively 
applied them to the members of the Senior Center of Long Beach, New 
York.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to rise and join with me in honoring 
Mr. Jack B. Levy.

[[Page E142]]

At a time when we search for heroes and outstanding leaders to provide 
us with that leadership imbued with warmth, compassion and 
understanding, we are well-served by the extraordinary efforts of Jack 
Levy.

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