[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 63 (Thursday, May 16, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E825-E826]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 MS. LILLIAN SILBERSTEIN HONORED FOR 30 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE 
                         OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL M. HONDA

                             of california

                            HON. ZOE LOFGREN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 15, 2002

  Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the achievements of 
Lillian Silberstein, the Executive Director of the National Conference 
for Community and Justice (NCCJ) Silicon Valley Region. I would like to 
recognize Ms. Silberstein's extraordinary and tireless service to the 
people of Santa Clara County and thank her for her 30 years as the 
NCCJ's Executive Director. She will be honored with the Community 
Service for Exemplary Leadership Award on Friday, May 17, 2002.
  NCCJ was known as the National Conference of Christians and Jews when 
Lil first started in a small office at a tiny desk by herself. The 
growth of the NCCJ Silicon Valley as one of the largest and most 
innovative chapters in the nation has been due to her tireless efforts 
and passionate dedication.
  ``Lil'', as she is affectionately known to all, has succeeded in her 
mission: to break down barriers, ending the silence of intolerance, and 
building common understanding between diverse groups of people in the 
community. She has successfully organized programs across Silicon 
Valley to open communications concerning the most difficult issues of 
race, religion, gender, socio-economic issues, ability and disability 
with the goal of building bridges between people.
  She has eased communications between prisoners and their jailers, 
given at-risk teens a safe place to express their painful struggles and 
confront their own barriers, and organized countless efforts, large and 
small, to help people get along more successfully together.
  In Silicon Valley, where diversity is the norm, Lillian Silberstein's 
work has been critical.
  As a result of her hard work and unwavering dedication to tolerance 
and justice, Lillian Silberstein has compiled an impressive record of 
community achievements, which have earned her the deep respect and 
admiration from all corners of this complex community. Her vision of 
justice has been a guiding force throughout the Silicon Valley and an 
example to many other growing and diverse communities around the 
country.

[[Page E826]]

  Somewhere in the annals of the United States of America we must find 
a way to register the deeds of those humble architects of our 
communities whom fame does not reach, because they reach into our 
hearts and our futures in the most important ways. Lillian Silberstein 
is among that special group of citizens. We thank her for making a 
better tomorrow for us all.

                          ____________________