[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 32 (Wednesday, March 6, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E247]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE RECIPIENTS OF THE 2013 ILLINOIS HOLOCAUST MUSEUM AND 
                  EDUCATION CENTER HUMANITARIAN AWARDS

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. BRADLEY S. SCHNEIDER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 6, 2013

  Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize William J. 
Brodsky, Linda Johnson Rice and J.B. Pritzker, this year's Illinois 
Holocaust Museum and Education Center Humanitarian Awards Dinner 
honorees. Mr. Brodsky, Ms. Rice and Mr. Pritzker embody what is best 
about the humanitarian spirit in our community.
   The Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center has, for 32 years, 
worked to ensure that we will never forget the unspeakable evil of the 
Holocaust, and that the world works diligently to prevent such evil in 
the future. The Museum & Education Center has educated countless 
students, young and old, on the perils of hate and discrimination, and 
since its new building opened in 2009, the center has stepped to the 
forefront of global Holocaust studies.
   Each year, the Museum and Education Center recognizes the civic 
leadership of a select few, and this year's honorees are an outstanding 
and impressive group, with deep roots in the community and long records 
of service.
   William J. Brodsky is the Chairman and CEO of the Chicago Board 
Options Exchange, and in more than 15 years in his position, he has 
successfully guided the company through turbulent economic times and 
done much on behalf of the Chicagoland community. He is being honored 
this year for his outstanding commitment to the ideals of promoting 
human rights and defeating hate through education. His support for the 
Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center has furthered its 
greater mission and helped elevate the center on a global stage.
   Linda Johnson Rice has served as the Chairman of Johnson Publishing 
since 2010 and before that as CEO beginning in 1987. Throughout her 
tremendous career, she has maintained a dedication to the causes of 
women, minorities and, especially, children. Her parents instilled in 
her beliefs in education and improving society, and she has applied 
those beliefs to the Holocaust Museum and Education Center. Her 
continued support of the Museum and Education Center's goal of 
combating hate, prejudice and indifference is a true inspiration. The 
side of equal, global human rights is stronger with her as an ally.
   My friend J.B. Pritzker, whom I've known for more than 20 years, is 
a titan not only of industry, but philanthropy. Through the Pritzker 
Family Foundation and his work as Chairman of the Illinois Holocaust 
Museum and Education Center, J.B. has led international efforts to 
empower the world's children. He spearheaded the efforts to fund and 
build the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center. His tireless 
work on behalf of survivors and in the cause of ending genocide has 
accomplished remarkable good. The Illinois Holocaust Museum and 
Education Center would not be what it is today without J.B. Pritzker's 
efforts. I can think of no one more deserving of the inaugural 
Survivors Legacy Award. I'm proud to call J.B. a friend, and I'm 
pleased to see his commitment recognized.
   At a time when Congressional gridlock has prevented critical work 
from being accomplished, seeing people like these three, with deep 
senses of civic duty, step up and take the lead on important issues is 
something we can all be thankful for. I congratulate Mr. Brodksky, Ms. 
Rice and Mr. Pritzker on their awards and wish them continued success. 
I look forward to following their future philanthropic endeavors.

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