[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 65 (Wednesday, May 20, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E927]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO THE ISRAEL'S 50TH GALA HONOREES

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRAD SHERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 20, 1998

  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an 
outstanding collection of individuals for their unwavering commitment 
to the Jewish community in Los Angeles and their support of Israel 
throughout its 50 years. I would like to take this opportunity to 
acknowledge Mr. and Mrs. Eric Alon, Ms. Lily Artenstein, Mr. and Mrs. 
Mike Davidov, Mr. and Mrs. Shimon Erem, Mr. and Mrs. Jona Goldrich, Mr. 
Jonathan Mitchel and Ms. Gal Haas, Mr. and Mrs. Dan Sandel, Mr. and 
Mrs. Yehochai Schneider, Mr. and Mrs. Mike Shapow, Mr. and Mrs. Isaac 
Shepher, Dr. and Mrs. Jose Spiwak and Mr. and Mrs. Ike Starkman for 
their innovative leadership of the years.
  The Talmud states ``He who does charity and justice is as if he had 
filled the whole world with kindness.'' In the spirit of these words, 
these leaders have infused Israel and Los Angeles with a sense of 
purpose and pride. Through their work, they have upheld the Judaic 
tradition of generosity and concern for others. Their exceptional 
leadership has been instrumental in laying the foundation for a strong 
and cohesive Jewish community in the City of Los Angeles.
  In August of 1897, over a century ago, the first Zionist Congress 
affirmed its aspiration to form a Jewish homeland in the historic State 
of Israel. After the horrors of the Holocaust, in which one-third of 
the Jewish population of the world lost their lives, the Jewish people 
returned to their ancient homeland and established the State of Israel.
  Since the Nation's founding, over a million Jews from throughout the 
world have sought refuge in Israel. Over the last 50 years, Israel has 
rebuilt a nation, maintained a pluralist democracy--the only one in the 
Middle East--and based that democracy on freedoms and the rule of law. 
It has developed a thriving economy and society, transforming the 
desert into a land of milk and honey.
  The State of Israel was formed in the face of tremendous adversity. 
Its survival has depended upon the support and involvement of people 
such as these special leaders. I rise today to congratulate these 
leaders along with the people of Israel on the 50th anniversary of 
their rebirth and independence.

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