[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 150 (Tuesday, November 19, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2090]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          TRIBUTE TO ABBA EBAN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TOM LANTOS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 19, 2002

  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a fallen hero 
in the cause of peace, Mr. Abba Eban. In nearly a half-century of 
service as Israel's premier diplomat, Mr. Eban played a critical role 
in securing the future of his embattled nation and in defending 
democracy in the Middle East. News of his passing Sunday grieves all 
those who knew him and knew his historic work.
  My wife and I had the honor of first meeting Abba Eban nearly four 
decades ago. Even at this early stage in his extraordinary career, he 
had distinguished himself as one of the most passionate, articulate and 
compelling voices on the world stage. In introducing President Harry S. 
Truman to Israel's future leaders, Mr. Eban helped forge a partnership 
between our two countries that has grown only stronger with the passage 
of time. Throughout Israel's struggle to survive, Abba Eban provided 
the words that emboldened the Israeli people and persuaded the world. 
Perhaps his finest moment came in 1967, when he addressed the United 
Nations in a heroic and spirited defense of Israel's right to exist. 
Israel's continued survival is the lasting legacy of his immortal 
words.
  Abba Eban's Churchillian orations at the United Nations are the stuff 
of legend, capturing the spirit of a brave nation and captivating an 
anxious world. He instilled pride in all who shared his vision of a 
free and independent homeland for the Jewish people--and he earned the 
respect of all who did not. If the pen is mightier than the sword, than 
Abba Eban's eloquence was among the strongest weapons in Israel's 
arsenal. He personified his nation's fearless quest for peace.
  Abba Eban was also a character the likes of whom the world may never 
again know. His brilliant intellect, cosmopolitan style and biting wit 
cast him as the consummate diplomat. He was the picture of 
professionalism. But behind this polished public persona was a human 
being who, like his countrymen, struggled to live in peace and with 
dignity.
  Reflecting on the life of Abba Eban, we better understand that a 
nation's greatness is defined not by the strength of its arms or the 
extent of its wealth, but by the virtues of its people. Abba Eban was 
indeed a great and virtuous man, a most fitting emissary of a great and 
virtuous people. Let us commemorate his life by leading our own as he 
led his.

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