[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 74 (Friday, May 25, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E978]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HAPPY 50TH BIRTHDAY TO JONATHAN FRIEDMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. HOWARD L. BERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 25, 2001

  Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an 
outstanding individual and a good friend, Jonathan Friedman, who is 
celebrating his 50th birthday on June 3, 2001. Jonathan is a wonderful 
person, full of integrity and honesty, dedicated to improving the world 
around him, and an all-around good guy.
  Jonathan and I have been friends since the early 60's when we worked 
together in the California Federation of Young Democrats. He was only 
in high school, but even then he was extremely interested in politics. 
In the Young Dems, he was a master debater on the Resolutions Committee 
and was known for providing a fresh and interesting insight which 
challenged previous policies of the Young Democrats. Jonathan's 
contributions to the Democrats for Israel Club and the California 
Democratic State Central Committee are equally impressive and 
indispensable.
  Jonathan has enjoyed a distinguished career since receiving his 
M.B.A. at Wharton Graduate School, where he majored in finance. His 
educational background, which includes a B.A from UCLA, enabled him to 
enter the business world in 1975 as a securities analyst and later as 
an Assistant Vice President at Equitable Life. His interest and acumen 
in the financial arena continued to grow and led to a position with the 
Ford Foundation in New York. He made his way back to Los Angeles to 
serve as an investment consultant at the J. Paul Getty Trust. After a 
successful stint there, he turned his skills and savvy to the retail 
market by starting his own jewelry business, Miller Gems.
  I frequently turn to Jonathan for analysis of legislative proposals 
in tax and financial matters. His counsel in these areas (and many 
others) has been invaluable to me.
  Jonathan also finds time in his busy schedule to be of service to the 
Jewish community in Los Angeles and nationwide. He serves as a member 
of the Jewish Community Relations Council which fosters equal 
protection and justice for all, and he is a long-time member of the 
American Israel Policy Action Committee. Jonathan is also a volunteer 
board member of the Friends of the UCLA Library.
  So it is with special joy that I ask my colleagues to join me in 
wishing my good friend, Jonathan Friedman, a very happy 50th Birthday 
and many happy returns. His friendship has added immeasurably to my 
life.

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