[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 162 (Tuesday, November 16, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S14646]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IMAM VEHBI ISMAIL PROCLAMATION

 Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, it gives me great pleasure to rise 
today and honor Imam Vehbi Ismail for his fifty years of dedicated 
service to the Islamic community.
  The Imam has been an instrumental force in the Albanian American and 
Islamic communities in Michigan. Originally, from Albania he emigrated 
to the United States in 1949 after studying theology in Egypt. Through 
his spiritual leadership the Imam set himself on a path to improve the 
Albanian American community. One of his greatest accomplishments was 
the establishment of the Albanian Islamic Center where he served as the 
Senior Cleric.
  What is truly remarkable about this extraordinary individual is his 
work in the areas of democratic and human rights. The Imam has been the 
driving force in the Michigan community, raising awareness for human 
rights for Albanians world wide.
  The Imam has proudly served as one of the longest active Clerics in 
the country. His family and the Albanian American community look to him 
as the elder statesman and guiding spirit for their community.
  Mr. President it is with sincere joy and appreciation that I honor 
the Imam Vehbi Ismail. He is truly an example of unselfish charity and 
an inspiration to many.

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