[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 59 (Tuesday, May 12, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E833]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN HONOR OF THE ISRAEL CENTER OF HILLCREST MANOR'S 50TH ANNIVERSAY

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                         HON. GARY L. ACKERMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 12, 1998

  Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join with my constituents 
and the members of the Israel Center of Hillcrest Manor as they join 
together to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the synagogue. 
Through the insight of such dedicated and talented community members as 
Joe Goldstein, Eric Gerstel and Sydney Abrahams, the synagogue's first 
president, the Israel Center of Hillcrest Manor came into being in 
1948, the same year the State of Israel was created. Through unique 
determination and a indefatigable spirit, these men went from door to 
door throughout the Flushing, Queens neighborhood building up both 
spiritual and financial support to establish this synagogue.
  Since its inception, the Israel Center of Hillcrest Manor has brought 
to the community a sense of dedicated service and a foundation of 
stability that has allowed its membership to raise their families and 
incorporate all age groups into an environment sensitive to their 
needs.
  The Israel Center of Hillcrest Manor, under the leadership of Rabbi 
Michael Strasberg, its spiritual leader for more than two decades, and 
its current president, Leo Lederer, has continued the record of service 
and caring that is the hallmark of this great house of worship. Having 
provided the Flushing community for half a century with a vibrant 
Hebrew School, youth program and a highly effective Men's Club and 
Sisterhood, the Israel Center of Hillcrest Manor is now prepared to 
lead its members into the second half century of fulfillment.
  There are few organizations that have emerged with a continuous 
record of compassionate achievement as has the Israel Center of 
Hillcrest Manor. I ask all my colleagues to rise with me in 
congratulating the synagogue, its members and officers on this 
wonderful achievement and extending our warmest support for another 
fifty years of service.

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