[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 36 (Monday, March 19, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E390]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     CELEBRATING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE AMERICAN JEWISH CONGRESS 
METROPOLITAN REGION AND ITS HONOREES, PHILIP CHRISTOPHER AND ELIZABETH 
                                 KELLY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 19, 2001

  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
American Jewish Congress Metropolitan Region on the occasion of their 
annual dinner. I particularly want to recognize its Co-Presidents, 
Michael Nussbaum and John Heffer, as well as Arthur Flug, the Executive 
Director, and John Baer and Trudy L. Mason, Chairs of the Executive 
Committee.
  Ever since its inception during World War I, the American Jewish 
Congress (AJC) has worked tirelessly to serve as a democratic voice of 
American Jews. Motivated by the need to ensure the creative survival of 
the Jewish people, deeply cognizant of the Jewish responsibility to 
participate fully in public life, inspired by Jewish teachings and 
values, informed by liberal principles, dedicated to an activist and 
independent role, and committed to making its decisions through 
democratic processes, AJC has taken an activist role on countless 
issues.
  AJC is an important voice on gun control, reproductive rights, 
sweatshops, domestic violence, and religious freedom. Members work to 
advance social and economic justice, women's equality, and human rights 
at home and abroad. The effort to fight anti-semitism and all other 
forms of bigotry remains a central focus of AJC. Eight decades after 
its founding, AJC's dedication to human rights and freedom, to 
separation of church and state, to the concept of a united Jewish 
people, to the health and strength of Israel, is as bold, steadfast, 
and as impassioned as ever.
  The Metropolitan Region has been active in working on issues relating 
to education, most recently holding forums on charter schools, teacher 
recruitment, and high stakes testing. The Metropolitan Region also 
works to promote policies to protect the environment both locally and 
in Israel. In addition, members work to protect human and civil rights 
and preserve religious liberty and the separation of church and state.
  The Metropolitan Region is honoring two individuals who have been 
remarkable advocates for freedom. Philip Christopher is the recipient 
of the Man of the Year Award. Mr. Christopher has been a successful 
businessman and an energetic advocate for the Greek-American community. 
As President and CEO of the Audiovox Corporation, he has emerged as a 
major leader in cellular communications. Despite the pressures of 
running a major corporation, Mr. Christopher has devoted a great deal 
of time to public policy and is one of the most prominent proponents of 
freedom for Cyprus. As a member of the Democratic National Committee 
Greek American Leadership Council, President of the International 
Coordinating Committee Justice for Cyrpus, President of the Pancyprian 
Association of America, the Supreme President of the Cyprus Federation 
of American, and President of the Hellenic American Sports League, Mr. 
Christopher has brought dynamic leadership and a strong sense of 
purpose to his efforts to fight for the Greek-American community.
  Elizabeth Kelly is the recipient of the Devorah Award. She has been a 
strong advocate for better health care. Shortly after her arrival in 
the United States, she founded the Uninsured Irish Foundation to 
provide health care to uninsured Irish Americans. Today she is 
President and Chief Executive Officer of New York Network Management 
LLC and the affiliated Physician Independent Practice Association. In 
1996, Ms. Kelly petitioned New York State to grant discounts based on 
the risk management that could be achieved through her organization. 
This program set a precedent that allows physician members of 
Independent Practice Associations to receive malpractice premium 
discounts for the first time in the history of the State. An advocate 
for better models for the delivery of health care, Ms. Kelly has been 
an innovator and a visionary.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 
achievements of the American Jewish Congress Metropolitan Region and 
its honorees, Philip Christopher and Elizabeth Kelly.

                          ____________________