[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 56 (Thursday, May 7, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S4552]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THE UNITED JEWISH FEDERATION OF STAMFORD ON ITS 25TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

 Mr. DODD. Mr. President, this month, the world's eyes are on 
the State of Israel as it celebrates the 50th Anniversary of its 
independence. I want to take this opportunity to congratulate and 
praise the people of Israel on this historic occasion.
  Many centuries ago, Isaiah prophesied that Israel would become ``a 
light unto the nations.'' Today, Israel's light is shining brightly--
not only for its citizens, but for people throughout the world. This 
nation arose from the ashes of the Holocaust and has given the Jewish 
people of the world a permanent homeland.
  The modern State of Israel has faced many obstacles in its short 
life, but it has survived them all, and in fact excelled in spite of 
them. Its population has grown from 600,000 in 1948 to nearly 6 million 
today as it has absorbed waves of immigrants from all over the globe. 
It is a vibrant democracy, with free and open elections and a free 
press. Despite a shortage of natural resources and many other 
obstacles, it has developed a thriving economy. And from this small 
nation, we have seen countless acclaimed writers, artists, and 
musicians.
  Israel has also shared a special relationship with the United States. 
Over the years, our nations have stood together to preserve Israel's 
safety and security, and I want to take this opportunity to join my 
fellow Americans in pledging our continued support for this trusted 
ally.
  This is also a time of celebration for members of the American Jewish 
population. Festivities are being held all across the country, and in 
my state of Connecticut, the United Jewish Federation and the Jewish 
Community Center of Stamford will hold a community-wide festival to 
commemorate the 50th anniversary on Sunday, May 17th. There will 
actually be another special event in Stamford the previous Thursday.
  On May 14th, the United Jewish Federation of Stamford will celebrate 
its 25th Anniversary. Throughout the years, the UJF has played a vital 
role in building and maintaining a sense of unity among Stamford's 
Jewish community. They have helped to promote and enrich Jewish life in 
the area by coordinating educational, social and philanthropic 
activities. They have also worked to defend the political and religious 
rights of the Jewish people, not only in Connecticut, but around the 
Nation, in Israel, and throughout the world.
  The UJF of Stamford's stated mission is to create a community based 
on the Jewish ideal of ``tzedakah'': charity, righteousness and social 
justice. Well, I would say that their works and actions have clearly 
embodied these three principles. I want to personally thank them for 
all that they have done to strengthen and improve both their community 
and our state, and I offer my sincere congratulations to them on this 
joyous anniversary.

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