[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 32 (Tuesday, March 21, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E360]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E360]]


 IN HONOR OF RABBI ARTHUR SCHNEIER ON THE OCCASION OF HIS 70TH BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 21, 2000

  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special 
tribute to Rabbi Arthur Schneier, an international leader for religious 
freedom and tolerance and a role model and inspiration to the world. I 
ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating his 70th birthday by 
expressing our nation's deep appreciation and gratitude for his life 
and work.
  Rabbi Schneier has displayed an unshakable dedication to human rights 
and religious freedom, and a deep devotion to justice and decency for 
all people. Spiritual leader of the historic landmark Park East 
Synagogue since 1962, Rabbi Schneier has acted as a diplomat and envoy 
for four U.S. Presidents. He has served as Chairman of the U.S. 
Commission for the Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad. He was 
selected by President Clinton to be one of three U.S. religious leaders 
to meet with President Jiang Zemin and top leaders of the Chinese 
Government to enter into the first official dialogue on religious 
freedom in China. Among many other contributions to U.S. diplomacy, Mr. 
Speaker, Rabbi Schneier negotiated and successfully completed bilateral 
agreements with the Czech and Slovak Republics, Hungary, Romania, 
Slovenia, and Ukraine.
  Rabbi Schneier is certainly one of this century's great human rights 
leaders, Mr. Speaker. In 1965, he established the Appeal of Conscience 
Foundation, an ecumenical coalition of business and religious leaders, 
advocating mutual understanding, tolerance and peace. Rabbi Schneier 
has contributed greatly to the peaceful emergence of new democracies in 
Russia and the countries of Eastern Europe. Through spiritual wisdom, 
perseverance, and leadership, Rabbi Schneier has quelled ethnic 
conflict the world over, protecting minorities and securing the reign 
of peace.
  I am sure, Mr. Speaker, that those in the midst of chaos and 
destruction, in the aftermath of earthquakes in Turkey and Armenia, 
floods in Romania, and natural disasters around the globe, rejoiced in 
the aid Rabbi Schneier was able to provide through organization, 
inspiration, and faith. His work provided hope to thousands and saved 
lives in times of great need and suffering.
  Rabbi Schneier is an inspiration to all who aspire to lives of hope, 
peace, and understanding. His convictions are noble and immutable. His 
faith and his devotion to peace remain undeterred. His influence around 
the world is a blessing to human kind. Mr. Speaker, I salute the life 
and work of Rabbi Arthur Schneier and I ask my fellow Members of 
Congress to join me in recognizing Rabbi Schneier's contributions to 
the New York community, to our great country, and to the world.

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