[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 114 (Thursday, August 5, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1782]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


        CENTRAL NEW JERSEY RECOGNIZES THELMA AND HARRY ZALEWITZ

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RUSH D. HOLT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 5, 1999

  Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Thelma and 
Harry Zalewitz, who will be honored this weekend by the State of Israel 
Bonds with the Independent Issue Award for their contributions to the 
Jewish community in America over the last 50 years. Together they have 
served on a wide variety of committees, held countless leadership 
positions, and tirelessly advocated the importance of public service 
and ``giving back'' to the community.
  Both Thelma and Harry Zalewitz were born in the United States to 
parents who had emigrated from Eastern Europe. Their families had 
settled in America with the hope of escaping persecution and reaching 
toward freedom and the ability to create a better life. They met in 
Paterson, NJ, and were married in 1946 after Harry returned from World 
War II. Ten years later, the couple moved with their three children to 
Verona, NJ, where they joined and immediately became involved in the 
Jewish Community Center of Verona.
  Within a short time, both Harry and Thelma were serving on the 
Synagogue's Board and holding elected positions. Harry was chosen as 
Synagogue President and Thelma as Executive Secretary to the Board of 
Directors. Harry also held the position of co-chairman of the Verona-
Cedar Grove campaign of the Jewish Federation. Over the years, the 
couple has actively participated in the development and growth of the 
Jewish Community Center of Concordia. Harry served as Vice President 
for the center, and lent his expertise as a member of the Board of the 
Jewish Federation of Greater Middlesex County. Their gratitude for the 
quality of life they have been privileged to experience has directed 
them to give both time and resources to insure that same quality of 
life for all Jewish people.
  Today, Harry and Thelma continue to lead their local Jewish 
community. Thelma currently serves the important role of writing the 
Yartzeits for the Jewish Congregation of Concordia, transposing the 
Hebrew dates to the Gregorian calendar dates. They also support the 
State of Israel through investment in the Israel Bonds campaign.
  Thelma and Harry have willingly given themselves to the community. I 
urge my fellow representatives to join me in recognizing this 
exceptional couple.

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