[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 85 (Wednesday, May 17, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E655]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING EMILE HADDAD FOR RECEIVING THE ELLIS ISLAND MEDAL OF HONOR

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                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 17, 2017

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Emile Haddad for 
receiving the Ellis Island Medal of Honor from the National Ethnic 
Coalition of Organizations. Recipients of the Ellis Island Medal of 
Honor are individuals who embody American ideals such as patriotism, 
diversity, and tolerance. Receiving such an honor is well deserved by a 
man who embraces American principles while upholding his traditions of 
ethnic heritage.
  Mr. Haddad was born and raised in Beirut, Lebanon prior to the 
beginning of the civil war. In his early years, Mr. Haddad attended 
American University in Beirut, where he studied to become a civil 
engineer. As a young professional in a country of instability, Mr. 
Haddad made a courageous decision to flee his homeland to start a new 
life in the United States of America. On March 3, 1986, Mr. Haddad and 
his now wife Dina, along with other family members, made their way to 
Ventura, California to join his younger brother and begin a new life.
  Beginning as a construction worker, and after multiple jobs, Mr. 
Haddad developed a passion for homebuilding and land-development. With 
an established career and now Chairman and CEO of Five Point Holdings 
LLC, the largest builder of mixed-used, master-planned communities in 
California, Mr. Haddad has helped redefine the unique global vision of 
twenty-first century communities for thousands of Californians.
  Mr. Haddad's inspiration for his work stems from his fundamental 
importance on a strong family unit. Married and a proud father of two 
now adult children, the communities Mr. Haddad builds reflect his 
vision for helping people live, work, play, and connect with one 
another. Additionally, his visions drive his commitment to education, 
which is why he serves on the advisory and leadership boards of four 
major institutions of higher learning: The University of California, 
Irvine, University of California, Berkeley, Claremont Graduate 
University, and the University of Southern California. To further his 
impact, Mr. Haddad's charitable giving also reflects his beliefs in 
giving back to the community. Over the years, he has received multiple 
personal honors, notably the Father-of-the-Year award from the American 
Diabetes Association and the Man of Character award from the Boy Scouts 
of America. Mr. Haddad continues to leave an influential mark as he 
remembers his journey to America and the path he has taken towards 
success.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 
lifelong achievements of Mr. Haddad. I congratulate Mr. Emile Haddad 
for this great achievement and ask that you join me in wishing him and 
his family continued prosperity.

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