[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 168 (Thursday, November 14, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S6578]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO NANCY SAGE

  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, in the Jewish faith, there is a central 
concept known as ``tikkun olam.'' Literally translated, it means 
``world repair,'' and it has come to represent many Jewish individuals' 
commitment to bettering the world around them. While I do not practice 
Judaism, I share this idea that each of us has a role to play in 
bettering our communities. And Nancy Sage has done just that in my 
hometown of Springfield, IL.
  Executive director of the Springfield Jewish Federation for nearly a 
decade, Nancy has strengthened the Jewish community and improved the 
lives of countless people in Springfield. Prior to taking this role, 
Nancy had served as a volunteer for the National Jewish Federation 
Board. When Nancy was approached to apply for the position of executive 
director, she knew she could not pass up the opportunity to give back 
to two communities she cared deeply about: the Springfield community 
and the Jewish community.
  In her role, she has created partnerships between the Jewish 
community and other religious and racial groups to address challenges 
such as interfaith harmony and food insecurity. An example of her 
leadership can be found in her work to educate her community about 
Julius Rosenwald as part of Springfield's Rosenwald Initiative, which 
brought together the Jewish and Black communities to honor the life of 
Springfield-born philanthropist Julius Rosenwald and his work to 
educate African-Americans in the rural South.
  But her work has reached beyond Springfield and benefited communities 
across the country and world--Jewish and non-Jewish, alike. Under her 
leadership, the Jewish Federation of Springfield's Annual Campaign 
successfully raised money for the Jewish Federation of North America to 
bring humanitarian funds to sites of natural disaster and social 
upheaval. These efforts supported communities in need, regardless of 
religion or nationality.
  But, of course, Nancy's work was primarily centered around supporting 
Springfield's Jewish community, making sure that every Jewish person 
felt that they had a home. This work became especially important in the 
wake of the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack in Israel, which claimed 
the lives of more than 1,200 Jewish people, saw more than 250 hostages 
abducted, and contributed to a rise in anti-Semitism across the world. 
In response to her diligent, empathetic, and determined work keeping 
Springfield safe for all community members, the FBI awarded the Jewish 
Federation of Springfield with the FBI Director Community Leadership 
Award, which Nancy accepted on behalf of the organization. The award 
recognizes the achievements of those working to better their 
communities by promoting education and violence prevention.
  But that is far from the only recognition Nancy has received for her 
work strengthening Jewish identity, promoting religious and cultural 
understanding, and supporting Springfield's diverse community. As a 
past chair of the Small Cities Division of the Jewish Federations of 
North America, she received national recognition for her 
professionalism and work in community building.
  After nearly a decade in her role of executive director and a 
lifetime committed to the idea of tikkun olam, Nancy will retire from 
her role this year. Loretta and I join our neighbors in Springfield in 
thanking Nancy for her tireless work making our community stronger and 
more resilient. We are grateful for all you have done for our hometown.
  Nancy, in your work and in the values with which you live your life, 
you represent the best of Springfield. I wish you and your family all 
the best in this new chapter of your lives.

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