[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 94 (Wednesday, July 15, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8238-S8239]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MAX FISHER

  Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I am always reluctant to add another 
national holiday to our calendar, but were we to do so, then July 15 
would be a good bet. For today is Max Fisher's birthday.
  In fact, it is his 90th birthday. But longevity, important as it is, 
is the least of his accomplishments.
  Many of our colleagues, from both sides of the aisle, know Max very 
well. He has long been one of the most prominent and influential 
leaders in the American Jewish community.
  He has advised every Republican President since Richard Nixon. He has 
advised every Israeli Prime Minister since Golda Meir. He was a 
critical force behind the airlift that helped save Israel in the 
darkest days of the 1973 Yom Kippur War.
  The great work of his life has been building bridges between Israel 
and the United States. But that is only one of many reasons to honor 
him.
  Max is one of our Nation's greatest philanthropists. He played a 
vital role in his home city of Detroit after the tragic riots of 1967 
by promoting reconciliation and economic opportunity. He continues in 
that effort today.
  No one will ever know how many people have benefited from his quiet 
generosity.
  Max, of course, would prefer the term social responsibility. Whatever 
the words, the meaning is the same, and so is the inspiration. As the 
Book of Proverbs teaches, ``He who is gracious to the poor lends to the 
Lord.''
  Ten years ago, when Max celebrated his eightieth birthday, accolades 
came in from around the world. President Reagan called him ``a 
legend.''
  Today, ten years later, the legend continues to build. He still works 
quietly, behind the scenes.
  It is no coincidence that his biography is entitled, ``The Quiet 
Diplomat.'' That book documents what all of his friends and admirers 
know so well: His dedication to the cause of peace, his energy in the 
cause of justice, his wisdom and effectiveness in working for a better 
world.
  At some point, with a man like Max, we run out of accolades. He has 
heard them all--and probably been impressed by none of them.
  His eye is always on the future: What remains to be done, what is 
still to be built, what has not yet been set right.
  In that spirit, on behalf of the Senate of the United States, I want 
to wish

[[Page S8239]]

him yet another Happy Birthday, in the full realization that these 
ninety years have been as much a blessing to us and to the Nation as 
they have been to him and to his family.
  To Max from America: Mazel tov, and God bless.

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