[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 60 (Thursday, April 29, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E811]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        CELEBRATION OF THE FREE SONS OF ISRAEL 150TH ANNIVERSARY

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                         HON. CAROLYN McCARTHY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 29, 1999

  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure 
that I rise to celebrate a momentous occasion, the 150th Anniversary of 
the Free Sons of Israel, the oldest Jewish Fraternal Benefit Society in 
the United States. The society was established in 1849 and officially 
marked 150 years on January 7, 1999. This is an impressive achievement 
and I am proud to call many of the members of the Free Sons of Israel 
my good friends.
  The Free Sons of Israel are a national order, formed to promote the 
ideals of their motto: Friendship, Love and Truth. They protect the 
rights of Jews and fight all forms of persecution on behalf of their 
members. During the years, their scope has broadened to include all 
people worldwide, regardless of race, religion or color.
  This special organization is the first of its kind to donate a 
substantial amount of money to the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C. 
Furthermore, their charitable arm has raised millions of dollars for 
worthwhile causes on a non-sectarian basis, including thousands of toys 
that they donate during the holidays to needy children in hospitals and 
care centers. The Free Sons of Israel has a scholarship Fund that 
grants awards to its members and children. it also has a bloodbank, 
credit union and insurance fund.
  The Free Sons of Israel make this a better place for people 
throughout Long Island, New York and the entire world. They are a model 
of community service and action. I thank my friends for all their work 
and I commend them on this important anniversary.

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