[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 34 (Wednesday, March 14, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E353]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E353]]



                    IN COMMEMORATION OF PHILIP MORSE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PETER DEUTSCH

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 13, 2001

  Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate a dear friend 
and distinguished citizen of South Florida, Mr. Philip Morse. Philip 
Morse's inspiring courage, successful business career, and generous 
philanthropic initiatives serve as a beacon of American achievement for 
the causes of peace, freedom, and humanity. Sadly, Mr. Morse passed 
away on March 9, 2001. Today, I wish to celebrate his life's 
achievements and mourn the passing of a great American.
  Mr. Speaker, Philip Morse's life is a testament to the triumph of 
humanity over the greatest adversity, and the limitless opportunities 
earned by a hard-working American entrepreneur. Born as Ephraim 
Mushacski in Wolkowysh, Poland, Phil fled the 1939 Nazi invasions of 
his homeland and the horrors of the Holocaust. Traveling through 
Sweden, Russia, Japan, and Settle, he settled with relatives in New 
York City in 1940. Phil arrived in America as an impoverished refugee 
but through hard work and ingenuity, he realized his dreams of success 
and freedom. It was his unwavering commitment to the values of justice 
and liberty combined with his entrepreneurial and innovative spirit 
which lead to his great success in business.
  Phil's training in the repair and reconditioning of industrial 
machinery led to the creation of the Morse Electro Products Corp. where 
Phil first revolutionized the sewing machine, then developed a new way 
to transform the cumbersome radio console into a compact stereo. This 
innovation greatly reduced the cost of stereo production, making 
stereos affordable for working Americans. In little time, the Morse 
Electro Products Corp. became a multi-million dollar company with 
factories in New York, Texas, and California, Phil's entrepreneurial 
enthusiasm and strong work ethic kept his business ventures successful 
throughout the twentieth century.
  Mr. Morse's entrepreneurial spirit was equally matched by his 
commitment to the advancement of knowledge, peace, and freedom both in 
the United States and abroad. As a Holocaust refugee, Phil was a strong 
supporter of the Zionist movement and active promoter of business and 
cultural development in Israel. As a devoted member of his South 
Florida community, he was a founder of the Aventura Turnberry Jewish 
Center-Beth Jacob Synagogue and a member of the Beth Jacob's Board of 
Directors.
  In addition, Phil has been honored internationally for his commitment 
to spreading the values and culture of Judaism. For his efforts to 
bring together people of all races, religions, and ethnicity, the Anti-
Defamation League awarded Phil the Torch of Liberty Award. In addition, 
for his visionary philanthropic leadership, he was awarded the Guardian 
of Israel Award by Shimon Peres. His care for both the spiritual and 
physical health of his community led to his founding of the Chair for 
Clinical Studies in Rheumatology at the Ben-Gurion University where he 
also served as a Board Member.
  In short, Mr. Speaker, Philip Morse embodies the best of American 
ingenuity, devotion to community, and love of freedom and humanity. He 
was a pioneer of American industrial development, a virtual institution 
for South Florida's Jewish community, and internationally honored 
philanthropist. While we mourn his passing, Mr. Morse's profound legacy 
will be treasured by current and future generations.

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