[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 83 (Friday, May 30, 2014)]
[House]
[Page H5062]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE LIFE OF RABBI HAIM ASA

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of 
January 3, 2013, the Chair recognizes the gentleman from California 
(Mr. Royce) for 30 minutes.
  Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of my neighbor 
and friend, Rabbi Haim Asa, who passed away at the age of 83 on May 28, 
2014. His presence in the Jewish community of Orange County and beyond 
will be greatly missed.
  Rabbi Asa's contributions as a spiritual leader since the mid 1960s 
and as Rabbi Emeritus of Temple Beth Tikvah in Fullerton have had a 
strong and positive impact on the community. His life story is full of 
remarkable accomplishments.
  As a Holocaust refugee from Bulgaria, he fought in Israel's War of 
Independence. Rabbi Asa was also known for cofounding the Congregation 
Emanu-El in Buenos Aires, rescuing a Romanian refugee from Turkish 
authorities, and saving a Jewish university student from Argentine 
authorities.
  His involvement in every local, regional, and national cause 
concerning the welfare of the State of Israel and its people is well 
known. He was instrumental in the development of many of the Jewish 
organizations, including Jewish Federation & Family Services, that 
serve the Jewish community today.
  Additionally, Rabbi Asa contributed to building the Holocaust 
memorial called Garden of the Righteous. It stands to educate people on 
the Holocaust in order to prevent a historic tragedy from repeating 
itself.
  I know that Rabbi Asa has touched thousands of lives over the years. 
Many in the community share my appreciation for his work to bring 
people together, always done with humor and insight. We feel a sense of 
deep loss. His achievements have left a permanent mark on the community 
and will inspire the lives of countless others for years to come.
  My thoughts go out to the friends and family of this remarkable 
community leader, Rabbi Haim Asa. I join the Jewish community and 
everyone who had the pleasure of knowing Rabbi Asa in honoring and 
remembering him. My condolences go out to his family.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

                          ____________________