[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 101 (Friday, July 22, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1579]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    THE ELEVENTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PASSING OF THE LUBAVITCHER REBBE

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                         HON. ANTHONY D. WEINER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 22, 2005

  Mr. WEINER. Mr. Speaker, Sunday July 10, 2005 (3 Tamuz, 5765), marked 
the eleventh anniversary of the passing of Rabbi Menachem Mendel 
Schneerson, of righteous memory. When Rabbi Schneerson first became the 
Rebbe, or spiritual leader, of Chabad-Lubavitch, the movement had 
barely survived the brutality of the Holocaust. Yet, over the course of 
his 44 years as ``The Rebbe,'' Rabbi Schneerson turned Chabad-Lubavitch 
into a worldwide movement.
  Under the Rebbe's leadership, Chabad-Lubavitch began to offer 
educational and social services to the elderly, ill, and infirm. Over 
time, and under Rabbi Schneerson's leadership, Chabad-Lubavitch became 
a global force for good-will and kindness. It is not surprising 
therefore, that upon Rabbi Schneerson's passing, both this House, as 
well as the Senate, voted unanimously to award him the Congressional 
Gold Medal.
  It is a testament to the Rebbe's leadership that Chabad-Lubavitch's 
social, educational, and humanitarian efforts did not cease upon his 
passing. In fact, Chabad-Lubavitch presently has over four thousand 
emissaries operating more than three thousand institutions around the 
globe. Chabad-Lubavitch offers vital outreach and social services to 
communities in more than sixty countries on six continents.
  In the wake of the devastating Tsunami in South-East Asia, Chabad-
Lubavitch responded to the crisis in a manner consistent with Rabbi 
Schneerson's teachings and leadership. Chabad-Lubavitch of Thailand has 
extended a helping hand to all Tsunami victims and survivors, 
regardless of race or religion.
  Chabad-Lubavitch has provided both funding and technical assistance 
to local relief organizations in order to support the local relief 
effort. Chabad-Lubavitch also provides interest free loans to Tsunami 
survivors in order to assist in the economic recovery of individuals 
and communities. Chabad-Lubavitch also participates in an ongoing 
effort to provide fresh food and drinking water to the villages of Koh 
Muk, Laem Naew, Baan Talae Nok, Ko Rah, Bak Jok, Ko Surin, and Tung 
Dap.
  Mr. Speaker, while we continue to honor Rabbi Schneerson's memory, we 
must also celebrate his ongoing legacy of kindness and compassion.




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