[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 35 (Thursday, March 1, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E450]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    MOURNING THE LOSS OF KEN BERKMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. STEVE ISRAEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 1, 2007

  Mr. ISRAEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today in great sadness. My 
community has lost a great leader and a humanitarian: Ken Berkman.
  Of all the things that can be said of Ken Berkman, the most profound 
is that he made a difference in his community. And to every good cause 
and every community project he brought a sparkling wit, a wry smile, a 
deep compassion, and an exuberant dedication. He built one of the 
leading law firms on Long Island, but understood that the foundation of 
a strong law firm is a good and flourishing community.
  I have known Ken and his wife Irene for many years, but anyone 
involved in any facet of community life or any issue confronting Long 
Island has also known them.
  Ken cared about his country. He cared about the town of Huntington. 
And cared most about his family. His legacy will be a standard of grace 
and commitment that to which others will aspire. He made our community 
better, and those who follow his example will continue to push our 
community forward.
  That, Madam Speaker, is the true legacy of Ken Berkman. We lost him, 
but not the standard he set, and the difference he made to the people I 
represent in the United States Congress.

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