[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 102 (Tuesday, July 10, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1216-E1217]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




THE ALEH FOUNDATION PAID TRIBUTE TO MIKE SILVERSTEIN AT THEIR 28TH YEAR 
                             MILESTONE GALA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL G. GRIMM

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 10, 2012

  Mr. GRIMM. Mr. Speaker, Mike Silverstein was a legendary figure in 
the shoe industry and co-founded NINA Footwear in 1953. Operating from 
a loft on Prince Street in New York City, the brothers, Stanley and 
Mike built Nina Footwear into one of the most widely respected 
independent companies in the shoe industry. Mike combined a flair for 
showmanship with true business acumen and was instrumental in 
developing the shoe industry's presence in New York City.
  Mr. Silverstein was also renowned in other circles. To so many who 
knew Mike Silverstein, as well as to the disabled children that Aleh 
Foundation helps, Moshe `` Mike'' Silverstein is unforgettable, and has 
left his family and friends with warm and happy memories. His 
charismatic personality was joyously remembered by the Chairpersons, 
Honorees and the Raine & Stanley Silverstein Family Foundation during 
the Aleh 28th annual Awards Dinner to ``Fulfill a Child's Dream.''

[[Page E1217]]

 Friends in the industry in which he played a central role for decades 
will remember him fondly as he left behind a beautiful family; to 
include his children, Scott, Baron, Nanci, and Neil.
  At the Dinner in the ballroom of the Museum of Jewish Heritage in 
Battery Park NYC, Rabbi Dr. Elie Abadie, an Aleh Foundation Rabbinical 
Board member and a strong supporter of the great work done by the Aleh 
Foundation, recited an emotional and special prayer dedicated to the 
deceased. Afterwards Rabbi Abadie then presented a Congressional 
certificate to Mr. Silverstein's niece, Nina Miner and her daughter 
Leslie and husband Michael--the sponsors of the 2012 Aleh dinner. These 
wonderful individuals were also the sponsors of a residential wing to 
house children in the Aleh village, which is known as the ``Aleh 
Negev'' in loving memory of Stanley Silverstein's great granddaughter, 
the late Chana Emunah Kule ob'm.
  Truly, the City and people of New York will miss the kindness and 
compassion of Mike Silverstein. His good deeds and charitable spirit 
will live forever within our hearts.

                          ____________________