[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 87 (Friday, June 13, 2003)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1251] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] IN HONOR OF JENNIFER BERNARDES ______ HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ of new jersey in the house of representatives Thursday, June 12, 2003 Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the inspiring dedication of Jennifer Bernardes, a 13-year-old student whose compassion has had a wonderful effect on the life of her fellow New Jerseyan, Harry Ettlinger. Ms. Bernardes was one of the first students in New Jersey to take part in the ``Adopt-a-Survivor'' program, which matches young students with Holocaust survivors. Sponsored by the Holocaust Council of the United Jewish Communities of Metro West in Whippany, NJ, this program provides an amazing opportunity for young students to develop lasting relationships with and learn from those who have survived or escaped the Holocaust. Mr. Ettlinger, a World War II veteran who escaped the Holocaust, was the adoptee of Jennifer Bernardes, an eighth-grade student at Oliver Street School in Newark, NJ. As a participant in this program, Jennifer agreed to learn about Mr. Ettlinger's experiences, and to tell his story in 2045, the 100th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi death camps. Jennifer Bernardes has demonstrated a strong commitment to learn about Mr. Ettlinger's experiences and met with him several times over the course of a year to hear his first-hand accounts. Recently, Jennifer spoke at Newark's Municipal Holocaust Commemoration sponsored by Mayor Sharpe James. She has also taken part in talks at the Jewish Community Campus in Whippany, NJ, and Oliver Street School, and has spoken with other school groups about participating in the program. Jennifer's dedication has taught her about humanity's darkest hour, and, in learning Mr. Ettlinger's story, she has inspired others to participate in this invaluable program. Jennifer's commitment has gone beyond what the ``Adopt-a-Survivor'' program hopes to accomplish. Earlier this year, Jennifer helped reunite Mr. Ettlinger with Hanne Hirsch, a childhood neighbor and schoolmate from his hometown of Karlsruhe, Germany, who he had not been able to locate after the Holocaust. On a visit to the Holocaust Museum in Washington, DC, Jennifer and a fellow student noticed Mrs. Hirsch's story at an exhibit, and after successfully tracking her down, Mr. Ettlinger was reunited with Mrs. Hirsch after 64 years. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Jennifer Bernardes for her devotion and enthusiasm, and for her commitment to keeping alive the personal histories of Holocaust survivors. It is through the dedication of America's youth that we can ensure that these important stories are never forgotten. ____________________