[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 83 (Thursday, May 13, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E519]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        GEORGE FLOYD R.I.P. POEM

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. A. DONALD McEACHIN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 13, 2021

  Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to include in the Record a 
poem from Rabbi Dr. Israel Zoberman, founder and spiritual leader of 
Temple Lev Tikvah in Virginia Beach, and the representative of the 
Jewish Community at the City of Chesapeake's civic occasions.


                          GEORGE FLOYD R.I.P.

                     (By Rabbi Dr. Israel Zoberman)

     Thank you, George Floyd, for making sure
     That 2020 will be remembered not only for
     An inflicting Coronavirus but even more so for a
     Virtuous revolution of the heart inspired by an
     Unassuming gentle spirit in a giant's frame
     Who taught us all--white, black and brown--
     That a simple man, no celebrity, could hopefully
     Change the world his loving spirit charged,
     Awakening with divine grace sleepy multitudes,
     Whose last breath of agonizing 9 minutes, 29 seconds,
     We count sacred with Mr. Floyd becoming
     A household name though not born a prince
     While you wanted just to breath like fellow humans
     Gifted by God's birthright at least another day,
     And heavenly mama would gladly wait,
     Destined in death to accomplish
     Unwittingly what you could not alive do.
     Forgotten you will never be roaming with angels
     Among the stars to protect dear ones left behind,
     But your excruciatingly aching neck stomped
     By a bending knee not in homage to the gods,
     Is a transforming symbol now for the oppressor's
     Universal rod which together we are bent to break,
     As the dying battle cry, ``Man, I can't breathe''
     Will ever ring from Sea to Shining Sea.

       Rabbi Dr. Israel Zoberman is the founder and spiritual 
     leader of Temple Lev Tikvah in Virginia Beach, meeting at The 
     Church of the Holy Apostles. He is honorary senior rabbi 
     scholar at Eastern Shore Chapel Episcopal Church in Virginia 
     Beach. He represents the Jewish community at civic events in 
     the City of Chesapeake.

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