[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 80 (Thursday, May 15, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E943]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO HARVEY SCHECTER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. HOWARD L. BERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 15, 2008

  Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to my dear friends 
of more than 30 years, Hope and Harvey Schechter. They are being 
honored at the 7th Annual Hillel 818 Dinner Celebration for their 
generous support and outstanding contributions to Los Angeles Valley 
College and to our community.
  I have had the pleasure of working with Hope and Harvey throughout 
the years on many important issues of concern to the San Fernando 
Valley, the State of California and our Nation. I value their counsel, 
respect their knowledge and appreciate the help they have given me in 
my career.
  Harvey is a remarkable individual who has dedicated his life to 
protecting our civil rights and combating anti-Semitism and racial 
discrimination. From 1952, when he began his impressive career with the 
Anti-Defamation League (ADL), until 1993 when he retired as Western 
States Regional Director of the ADL Foundation, he has been at the 
forefront on critical humanitarian issues of concern to the ADL, the 
Jewish community and the world at large. Harvey has been a mentor, 
confidant, friend, teacher and inspiration to others during his career. 
His speeches, writings, and incomparable wit have enriched all who have 
had the good fortune to know him.
  Following Harvey's retirement from the ADL, he rediscovered the joy 
of learning at Los Angeles Valley College. He touched the lives of 
hundreds of students as he shared with them the knowledge he has gained 
in his 84 years.
  Hope is an outstanding example of the American dream. Born in a small 
mining town in Arizona to Mexican-American parents who spoke no 
English, she overcame tremendous challenges to achieve great success. 
After dropping out of high school, she worked at menial jobs, including 
as an underpaid garment industry worker. Her personal experience with 
the injustices to unskilled workers led her to a career as a union 
organizer for the International Ladies Garment Workers Union. She 
helped improve the quality of life for hundreds of workers by her 
determination, positive attitude and resilience. Her career includes 
many significant contributions to our community, including Community 
Service Organizer, fighting for safe neighborhoods, establishing the 
first Head Start Operation in Los Angeles County, helping resolve 
racial issues as a member of the Board of Directors of the Council of 
Mexican American Affairs and many more. She became a Certified Court 
Reporter, established her own firm and was the first woman elected 
President of the General Court Reporters Association. During my brief 
period in law practice, Hope was my court reporter of choice.
  Beyond her community contributions, Hope has been a valuable asset to 
the California Democratic Party, serving for many years on the 
California Democratic State Central Committee in a number of leadership 
positions and volunteering her time and efforts to numerous political 
campaigns. Hope's dedication and tireless efforts on behalf of our 
community are an inspiration to us all.
  Hope and Harvey recently celebrated 53 years of a wonderful marriage. 
Although they have no children of their own, they have been ``adopted'' 
as parents by more than one hundred young people they have met on the 
campus and in the community.
  I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in honoring two special 
people who's caring and contributions have benefited so many.

                          ____________________