[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 53 (Wednesday, May 3, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E617-E618]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO M. DAVID COHEN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRAD SHERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 3, 2000

  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, today I pay tribute to M. David Cohen, one 
of the most dedicated and committed individuals in our country for his 
humanitarian service throughout the world. Mr. Cohen's vision, 
expertise and active participation to serve those in need is legendary.
  David's father, Hyman Louis Cohen, emigrated to the United States 
from Russia in 1923, settled in Chelsea, Massachusetts, and graduated 
from Northeastern University School of Law in 1936. His mother, Jean 
Goldberg Cohen, was born in Boston; his parents married in 1941. They 
were among the most active in their community, setting the example 
David was to emulate. At the age of 12, when David's mother suffered a 
massive heart attack and stroke, he stepped into her role and became 
chairperson of the Everett Leukemia Fund Drive. He organized youth 
groups, schools, churches, synagogues and public and private sector 
employees to raise the most money ever raised by that city in any 
charity drive.
  David served in the United States Air Force as an Acting Jewish 
Chaplain in France, Spain, Morocco and Libya. He organized programs on 
and off base for the military and civilian population and served as a 
coordinator with the Joint Distribution Committee in Paris, resettling 
displaced persons from behind the Iron Curtain. He created a food 
service gathering and distribution program for the Little Sisters of 
the Poor which has continued successfully since 1962, and was a basis 
for what we now know as the ``meals on wheels'' programs. Upon being 
honorably discharged, he returned to Boston College to complete his 
studies.
  Serving on many boards of directors of charitable and community 
organizations, Mr. Cohen's 44 years of volunteer work include 
International Special Olympics, Adam Walsh Child Resource Centers 
(missing and exploited children), American Youth Soccer (ATSO), 
Lokrantz School (M.O.V.E.), Presidents' Summit on America's Future, 
Jewish Home for the Aging and Elizabeth Kubler-Ross Foundation. Current 
service includes the

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University of Judaism, King Solomon Education Foundation (tuition 
reduction), Healing Hands Project (reconstructive surgery), Club SODA 
(after school safe haven for middle and high school students), Shomrei 
Torah Synagogue, Blue Eagle Foundation (community sports and education 
facility), St. Joseph Center and General Colin Powell's America's 
Promise. In addition, David is very proud of his many years of 
imaginative pro-bono support of and active participation with the 
Stephen S. Wise Temple and its Schools, the largest Reform Jewish 
Temple in the United States. He created and now chairs the first 
Stephen S. Wise Temple Corporate Resources Division.
  David is frequently heard commenting, ``My greatest accomplishment is 
my daughter, Danielle Elizabeth, who at 13 has learned, embraced and 
implements every day the very best of what concerned citizenship is all 
about. I know that as my parents set the example for me, Danielle will 
lead her generation and those who follow to make a significant 
difference in our community, our country and the world. As she always 
says, `One can count' ''.
  Mr. Speaker, distinguished colleagues, please join me in paying 
tribute to Mr. M. David Cohen as he continues his extraordinary 
commitment to the community and our country. He has earned and deserves 
our recognition, praise and respect.

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