[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 96 (Thursday, July 1, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1502]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO AMBASSADOR YORAM BEN-ZE'EV

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRAD SHERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, July 1, 1999

  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Ambassador Yoram Ben-
Ze'ev as he steps down as Consul General of Israel in Los Angeles and 
is promoted to Deputy Director General for North American Affairs in 
the Foreign Ministry of Israel.
  It is not often that a member of this House rises to pay this high 
honor to a foreign diplomat. As one of the most effective diplomats and 
committed servants assigned to represent his country in the United 
States, Yoram Ben-Ze'ev is one truly worthy of this distinction.
  Throughout his career, he has worked to improve relations between 
Israel and other nations, serving from Hong Kong, to the Foreign 
Ministry in Jerusalem, to Los Angeles. Ambassador Ben-Ze'ev has served 
since 1993 as the Deputy Director General for the Middle East Peace 
Process; and since 1995 as Consul General, based in Los Angeles and 
responsible for the Western States.
  He has been intimately involved in the peace process negotiations 
which have transformed Israel's relations with the world. All the 
while, he has effectively ensured that the people of the Western United 
States can do business with Israel, travel to that country, and 
understand its rich culture and history. He has done much to strengthen 
the relationship between the United States and Israel.
  As Israel looks to this next and most critical phase of the peace 
process, Ambassador Ben-Ze'ev will no doubt once again provide 
exemplary service to his country, contribute to its security and 
stability, and strengthen the US-Israel partnership.
  Once again, Mr. Speaker, distinguished colleagues, please join me in 
honoring this most distinguished diplomat and public servant for his 
tireless work on behalf of friendship between the Israeli and American 
people. Let us extend our best wishes to Yoram and his wife, Iris, as 
they return to Israel.

                          ____________________