[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 93 (Monday, June 27, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S4124]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO LARRY AND BARBI WEINBERG

 Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, Winston Churchill once said, ``We 
make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.'' 
Today I honor two great Americans who have made a wonderful life by 
what they have given. Lawrence and Barbara Weinberg, or Larry and Barbi 
as their family and friends know them, have given much to their faith, 
to their country, and to their family and friends. Today I call 
attention to their service that the good life they have made can serve 
as an example to us all.
  Larry answered our Nation's call to duty and served in the U.S. 
Infantry in France during World War II. He was nearly killed by the 
explosion of a landmine. While he was injured on the ground, a German 
soldier bayonetted him in the stomach. He remained motionless and 
isolated for over thirteen hours. Against all odds, he was rescued by a 
Catholic Army Chaplain and spent a year recovering in the hospital.
  After Larry was discharged from both the hospital and the Army, he 
met Barbi. It was the summer of 1946. They married 6 months later. 
Larry then started a Los Angeles homebuilding business. He began with 
just four houses, but built his company to become the Larwin Group 
Companies, the largest privately owned single-family housing producer 
in the United States. He later became the principal owner and CEO of 
the Portland Trailblazers from 1975-1988, and served on the board of 
governors of the National Basketball Association from 1980-1983.
  Together, Larry and Barbi have been unwavering supporters of the 
Jewish community and Israel. In 1973, Barbi was elected president of 
the Jewish Federation Council of Greater Los Angeles, becoming the 
first woman to be elected president of a major federation in the United 
States. She used her position to expand the previously secular 
Foundation to Orthodox, Conservative, and Reformed Jewish 
congregations.
  Larry also continued his work supporting the American-Israeli 
relationship. He was elected president of the American Israel Public 
Affairs Committee, AIPAC, in 1976 for 5 years, later serving as its 
chairman from 1982-1987. He is known as the founder of modern AIPAC.
  Larry established the Jewish Foundation Barbi Weinberg Chai Award to 
honor individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the 
enhancement of and appreciation for Jewish life. Barbi sponsored a 
program to prepare junior and senior high school students with the 
knowledge, confidence, and training to speak up for themselves and for 
Israel, and to fight anti-Semitism and anti-Israel bias on college 
campuses. These programs are so important for our Nation's youth.
  In 1984, Barbi founded the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. 
This research foundation has become one of the most influential think 
tanks in Washington, advising policymakers on Middle East issues.
  Larry and Barbi have lived a life of dedicated public service. They 
are most proud, however, of their loving dedication to their family. 
During their 64 years together, Larry and Barbi have 4 children, 12 
grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren. All are hardworking, 
successful Americans that share Larry and Barbi's commitment to public 
service.
  Larry and Barbi truly have made a good life by what they have given. 
I am proud to consider myself a friend. And may their service be an 
example to us all.

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