[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 122 (Tuesday, September 15, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S10389-S10390]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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       TRIBUTE TO 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF FLORIDA-ISRAEL INSTITUTE

 Mr. GRAHAM. Mr. President, as we approach a new century, we 
find ourselves in a year of multiple milestones.

[[Page S10390]]

This year, the world celebrates the 50th anniversary of the founding of 
the State of Israel, and we also congratulate the pioneering Florida-
Israel Institute on its 10-year anniversary.
  The Florida-Israel Institute, created by the Florida Legislature in 
1988 to expand ties with Israel, has been a success by any measure:
  Catalyst. Now 23 other states have official links with Israel. 
Florida set the pace, and its Florida-Israel Institute continues to 
serve as a model for the rest of the nation.
  Trade boom. Total trade between Florida and Israel tripled between 
1987 and 1996, with dramatic increases in exports from Florida to 
Israel and imports from Israel, according to federal statistics.
  Cultural bridge. The Florida-Israel Institute brings Israel to 
Florida and Florida to Israel, via the arts, business, academia and 
research on topics of mutual interest that include agriculture and the 
environment.
  Examples span the spectrum of the human experience. The Institute 
brought Israeli jazz pianist Liz Magnes to Florida, and sent Florida 
professors to Israel and Jordan. It helped sponsor the one-woman show 
``Nomi'' at the University of Central Florida, and sent Florida 
business leaders to Israel.
  A premier feature of the Florida-Israel Institute is scholarship. The 
Institute carries out the time-honored precept that knowledge is a key 
to human understanding and a powerful weapon against fear and hate.
  The Florida-Israel Institute just awarded scholarships to 57 Israeli 
students for the 1998-99 academic year. These students will study on 
campuses throughout Florida, enriching campus life for all and then 
serving as ambassadors for life, linking Florida and Israel. The 
Institute--co-hosted by Florida Atlantic University and Broward 
Community College--has strong roots in education.
  As a repeat visitor to the Middle East, I know there is no substitute 
for first-hand experience in understanding the challenges facing 
Israel. My wife, Adele, and I were honored to return to Israel this 
year to help celebrate the 50th anniversary.
  Likewise, the Florida academics, entrepreneurs and civic leaders who 
visit Israel--thanks to the Florida-Israel Institute--bring back a 
keener understanding and a deeper appreciation of our special 
relationship with our ally State, Israel.
  On this special 10-year milestone, I call on my colleagues to join me 
in saluting the founders, managers and advisory board of this exemplary 
public-private partnership: the Florida-Israel Institute.

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