[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 69 (Tuesday, April 29, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E767]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN TRIBUTE TO THE AIGEN HAIFA CHAPTER OF AMERICAN FRIENDS OF MAGEN 
                               DAVID ADOM

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. DEBBIE WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 29, 2008

  Mrs. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
the Aigen Haifa Chapter of American Friends of Magen David Adom. Magen 
David Adom is Israel's equivalent to the Red Cross.
  The chapter based out of Sunrise, Florida, is celebrating the 60th 
anniversary of the state of Israel. Since its formation in 1992, the 
chapter has raised several million dollars. This money has gone to buy 
11 ambulances that cost anywhere between $70 and $100 thousand. The 
money also helps build blood centers in Israel which supply 95 percent 
of the blood in the state to among others, hospitals and the military.
  Over the last three years, the chapter has been short handed. Many of 
us remember the destruction by Hurricane Wilma in 2005. This group felt 
it first hand, more than 50 of its 120 members have left and not 
returned to the area. But that has not stopped them from taking money 
out of their own pockets to donate to the state of Israel. On several 
occasions, a former member has passed away, and willed money to the 
organization so they could help their brothers and sisters in Israel.
  Madam Speaker, this group exemplifies some of the best that this 
country has to offer. I thank you for giving me the opportunity to tell 
all of America about some of the women and men in my district who work 
to make positive changes in the lives of others.