[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 107 (Friday, September 10, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1595]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           A TRIBUTE TO ARTHUR RIKLIN, CITIZEN EXTRAORDINAIRE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CIRO D. RODRIGUEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 9, 2004

  Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great honor to recognize 
today a friend and mentor who has distinguished himself brilliantly in 
business, politics and community. I speak of Arthur Riklin, who has 
lived his entire life--outside of college and military service--in my 
hometown of San Antonio, Texas. This Sunday, September 12, 2004, the 
American-Israel Public Affairs Committee, commonly known as AIPAC, is 
honoring Arthur for his service to the community and his steadfast 
support of a strong U.S.-Israel relationship.
   Arthur is a leader in every sense of the word. He inspires others 
and leads by example. He currently serves as chairman of the San 
Antonio Friends of Israel Committee, a group he has nurtured and 
encouraged the past few years with great success. When you speak with 
Arthur, you can feel his passion, his commitment, and his dedication. 
He is an advocate who speaks from the heart about the common values and 
mutual interests shared by the United States and Israel.
   A few years ago, Arthur spoke at Temple Beth-El in San Antonio about 
the impact of Judaism in his life. He spoke of his early experiences 
with anti-Semitism growing up in San Antonio, planting within him the 
seeds of political activism. He ended his talk by urging his friends to 
be involved in the political process to fight injustice and promote 
issues of importance. He explained that it meant not only voting, but 
also getting to know elected officials personally, to share viewpoints, 
and thereby be in a position to make a difference.
   Arthur has done just that--he has made a difference to me and to 
countless others. A successful businessman whose family had little when 
he was a child, Arthur has given back to his community. He served five 
years as an officer in the United States Air Force, followed by seven 
years in the Reserves. He has raised money for charitable causes and 
given of his time generously. Arthur has served in senior leadership 
positions with numerous organizations, including the USO Council of San 
Antonio, the Rotary Club, and the National Conference of Christians and 
Jews. He helped establish the Judeo-Christian Studies Committee of St. 
Mary's University and is a lifetime member of the NAACP, both part of 
his lifelong effort to bring diverse people together in ways that 
increase understanding and break down barriers. It is no wonder that he 
has received the Lyndon Baines Johnson Humanitarian Award, the NCCJ's 
National Brotherhood Humanitarian Award or Hadassah's Myrtle Wreath 
Award.
   Above all else, Arthur is a gentleman, a loving husband, father and 
grandfather. He is married to Helene Katz, also of San Antonio, and 
they have three children and five grandchildren. Of all his awards and 
honors, I know he values them the most.
   Mr. Speaker, those in this House who know Art Riklin, and many of us 
on both sides of the aisle know him, appreciate his quiet, yet 
persistent voice, and we value his counsel and advice. Arthur Riklin is 
a gentleman and a citizen extraordinaire. May he go from strength to 
strength.