[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 69 (Friday, May 24, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E926]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING CONGREGATION B'NAI ZION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PETER DEUTSCH

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 23, 2002

  Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a cornerstone of 
the religious community in South Florida, Key West's Congregation B'nai 
Zion. Founded in 1887, the B'nai Zion Synagogue has remained an 
integral part of the Key West community for over 115 years and is the 
oldest Jewish congregation in Key West, as well as one of the oldest in 
the state of Florida. I am saddened, however, to report that a fire 
nearly destroyed the synagogue of Congregation B'nai Zion in the early 
morning hours of April 16.
  I come to the floor today to offer my deepest sympathies to the 
people of the Congregation. The synagogue, which serves as a sanctuary 
for 250 worshipers, also included a residence for Rabbi Joseph Hirsch. 
The fire destroyed the majority of its rooms, leaving Rabbi Hirsch 
without a home and a Congregation without a place of worship. 
Authorities determined that this tragedy was the work of arsonists.
  The fire of April 16 may have damaged Congregation B'nai Zion's 
building, but I am pleased to report that it did not damage their 
spirits. People of all faiths in the Key West community have 
compassionately reached out to the Congregation and supported them in 
their time of need. Congregation B'nai Zion continues to have weekly 
worship services and Rabbi Hirsch has a roof over his head. The 
Congregation now has renovation plans in place, and Rabbi Hirsch and 
Congregation President Fred Covan are working hard to ensure B'nai Zion 
remains a fixture in the Key West community.
  While the people of Key West have rallied behind their oldest 
synagogue, I am deeply troubled by the possibility that this 
incidence--which occurred on the eve of Israel's Independence Day--
reflects the trend of anti-semitism we are witnessing on a global 
scale. Hate and prejudice rages against the Jewish people in the Middle 
East and Europe, and the United States must stand before the world as a 
people united, regardless of faith.
  Mr. Speaker, Congregation B'nai Zion's synagogue has been destroyed, 
but the spirits of the people have endured. Today I wish to recognize 
the remarkable perseverance of Congregation B'nai Zion, and thank the 
national and local authorities and the people of Key West for their 
assistance in rectifying this terrible situation and ask for their 
continued support.

                          ____________________