[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 138 (Tuesday, October 6, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S11634]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO JOSEPH MORGART

 Mr. LAUTENBERG. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to 
a very special young man, one who is close to my heart and certainly 
close to my daughter's. He is my son-in-law Joe Morgart.
  I rise to congratulate him not simply for being a terrific husband to 
my daughter Nan and a loving father to my grandsons, Alexander and 
Jonathan, but also to recognize some of his personal achievements. 
Today, I commend him for becoming a leader in the Jewish community in 
Boston. He was honored there recently with the 1998 Young Leadership 
Award given by the Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP) of Greater 
Boston.
  CJP now raises nearly $25 million annually to support educational, 
humanitarian and cultural causes, as well as providing funding for 
health care and social service programs in Israel and other Jewish 
communities around the world. The Young Leadership Division of CJP 
gives young Jewish people in the Boston area the opportunity to get 
involved in community service, as well as to participate in discussions 
about Jewish issues from religious, ethical, social, political and 
economic perspectives.
  For Joe to receive this award is especially noteworthy, coming from 
one of the oldest philanthropies in the country and one so dedicated to 
educating others about Jewish issues. That is so, Mr. President, 
because Joe has not always been a member of the Jewish faith.
  Maybe Joe was attracted to Judaism to impress Nan when they were 
dating. Maybe he was attracted to Judaism to impress me! Or, knowing 
Joe and his thirst for knowledge when learning about Judaism, he found 
that the Jewish religion fulfilled him spiritually and invited him into 
the community. Joe then decided to convert, and he has become a most 
valuable participant in the community.
  Joe Morgart has served on CJP's Board of Directors, has been an 
active fundraising campaigner and started a successful outreach and 
educational services program that drew in many new members for CJP. He 
has participated in CJP's leadership development program, and has been 
deeply involved in community service programs for the organization. 
Beyond his involvement in CJP, Joe is a leader of the Jewish Big 
Brother & Big Sister Association, part of the American Israel Public 
Affairs Committee, and is a member of the United Jewish Appeal's Young 
Leadership Cabinet.
  Mr. President, I am proud that a well-regarded organization like CJP 
recognized Joe Morgart's ability and contributions by honoring him with 
this award. I know that his entire family is proud as well of his 
accomplishments and the love and respect that he has earned from all of 
those who know him.

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