[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 145 (Tuesday, August 10, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S6268]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING CHESED SHEL EMES

  Mr. SCOTT of Florida. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the 
bravery and selfless service of the first responders and community 
members who responded to the horrific tragedy in Surfside, FL, on June 
24, 2021, when the Champlain Towers South condo building suddenly 
collapsed in the middle of the night.
  Our Jewish Community, particularly Orthodox Jews, have been 
especially affected by this tragedy. We are incredibly grateful to 
Chesed Shel Emes for immediately rushing in to respond following the 
building collapse. They swiftly heeded the call of duty to aid in 
rescue and recovery efforts. In the face of tremendous tragedy, they 
ran into danger. They are heroes, and we can never thank them enough 
for their bravery and determination in the face of this terrible 
tragedy.
  I would also like to thank Rabbi Mark Rosenberg, who serves as 
director of Chesed Shel Emes, and all of those who worked selflessly to 
support our Jewish community and provide comfort during this time of 
need.
  Chesed Shel Emes did everything possible to make sure that search, 
rescue, and recovery efforts upheld Jewish law. Chesed Shel Emes worked 
tirelessly and relentlessly, offering resources, support, and comfort 
to the survivors and community in Surfside and to make sure that the 
needs of the Jewish community were met. This work was critical in 
helping to bring comfort to families who lost relatives, giving them 
faith that their loved ones were being cared for appropriately and 
respectfully.
  The pain these families are experiencing is unimaginable, and Chesed 
Shel Emes was there every step of the way to make ensure the Jewish 
community's beliefs and faith were honored. They exemplify true loving 
kindness in both words and actions.
  Chesed Shel Emes provided strength amidst tragedy. The community 
leaned on them to advocate for their needs and to be their voice. They 
helped every person who turned to them. They worked diligently, 
sensitively, and efficiently to help mourners cope with the unknown and 
provide assistance and guidance. Ann and I continue to pray for the 
Surfside community, our Jewish community, the families and loved ones 
of the lost, and all of those who worked tirelessly to serve the 
Surfside community.

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