[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 48 (Monday, April 27, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S3661]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             ``FRIENDS COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD'' RECIPIENTS

 Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise today to honor two very 
special people, Dr. Haifa Fakhouri and Ms. Florine Mark. Both will be 
receiving the ``Friends Community Service Award'' on Sunday, May 17, 
1998 from the American Arab and Jewish Friends, a program of The 
Interfaith Round Table of the National Conference. American Arab and 
Jewish Friends was established in 1981 to promote a greater 
understanding between the Arab and Jewish Communities of Southeastern 
Michigan.
  Dr. Fakhouri is the President and CEO of the Arab-American and 
Chaldean Council, the nation's largest community based, human service 
organization serving the Arab-American and Chaldean population. The ACC 
has grown tremendously under Dr. Fakhouri's leadership. In addition to 
her work with the ACC, she has served as special advisor to the United 
Nations on women's issues in the Arab world and as a delegate to the 
International Women's Conference in Mexico. She also serves on the 
boards of several national, state and local organizations. In all of 
her capacities, Dr. Fakhouri works to strengthen relations between the 
Arab-American and Jewish communities. She is well-deserving of the 
award being presented to her.
  Ms. Florine Mark has been the President and CEO of the WW Group, 
Inc., the nation's largest franchise of Weight Watchers International 
for the last 30 years. In addition to this, Ms. Mark also finds time to 
serve on the boards of numerous community organizations including the 
American Red Cross, the Detroit Institute for Children and the United 
Jewish Appeal National Campaign. Ms. Mark's contributions to society, 
especially promoting Arab-American, Jewish relations are commendable.
  Both of these women deserve special recognition for their 
contributions to the Arab-American and Jewish communities. I want to 
congratulate them on their awards. At this time, I would also like to 
commend the Interfaith Round Table on all of their efforts to improve 
understanding and friendship between the Arab and Jewish communities. I 
extend my best wishes for a successful 12th Annual Awards and 
Scholarship dinner.

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