[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 75 (Tuesday, May 6, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H1858-H1859]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IN RECOGNITION OF BRUCE AND PAM FRIEDLANDER

  (Mr. BACON of Nebraska was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. BACON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my great friends 
and two wonderful civic leaders of Omaha, Bruce and Pam Friedlander, 
during Jewish Heritage Month for their lifelong commitment to service, 
generosity, and helping others in our community.
  Bruce and Pam grew up in Omaha, attending Omaha Central High School, 
but they didn't meet until they both attended the University of 
Nebraska Lincoln. They were married in July 1971, and each proudly say 
that the other is the best decision they have ever made.
  Bruce tells people he started working at his grandfather's store, 
Louis' Market, at the age of 2 and jokes that he failed retirement five 
times.
  In addition to running a successful business, Bruce's grandfather 
Louis, who is from Russia, was an avid baseball fan and would 
frequently take Bruce and the other grandchildren to baseball games.
  Bruce said his grandfather would tear up during the national anthem 
at every game because he was free. Bruce says he is not trying to be 
his grandfather but credits him as being the best mentor he ever had.
  After learning a strong work ethic from his grandfather and his 
father,

[[Page H1859]]

Bruce bought Food 4 Less at 84th and Harrison and attempted his first 
retirement in 1993. He then worked for Bakers, following the owner's 
motto: Find a way to say yes to your customers. That is something I 
have heard Bruce say many times. He then became director of operations 
for Cubby's, Incorporated, in 2005 and retired in 2015 once again.
  Pam is an accomplished educator who devoted 32 years to Omaha Public 
Schools. She is passionate about going to the synagogue and reading the 
Torah. She believes people should listen to each other, be there for 
each other, and listen to God every day. That is great advice for 
everyone.
  Their pride is their two children, Andee and Jimmy--I know both of 
them; they are wonderful--and their four grandchildren. Bruce credits 
Pam with their smarts. Enhancing the quality of life for others is 
their family's mission.
  Bruce has continued his service as a member of the Jewish Federation, 
which oversees the Jewish Community Center, also known as the JCC, and 
the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. He served as president from 2017 to 2018.
  Approximately 1,500 people visit the JCC every day, and a significant 
number are not Jewish. Bruce credits this to the theme of the Jewish 
Federation, which says: ``Everyone is welcome.'' The Friedlanders apply 
this to their work every day.
  As the JCC gets ready to celebrate 100 years, Bruce is helping to 
lead a 100 Days of Giving campaign to expand the Rose Blumkin Jewish 
Home and serve more people. He tells everyone that the home is our 
safety net.
  The Friedlanders have volunteered at Beth El Synagogue. In addition, 
Bruce helped to revamp the Omaha Community Playhouse, serving as the 
president of the board. Bruce and Pam were the honorary chairs for the 
Omaha Community Playhouse's 100th anniversary.
  Bruce was named Volunteer of the Year by the Jewish Federation in 
2009, 2010, and again in 2015. He has added a new role of serving with 
the Boys Town Boosters, who help to raise funds to ensure that every 
child deserves a future.

                              {time}  1015

  Reflecting on his life, Bruce often says that he was ``blessed to be 
born into a wonderful family and a wonderful community.'' He tells 
others: ``My family were experts at helping people. During the time I 
have spent giving back, I have had three rules: first, take care of 
yourself and those you love; second, do your job; and, third, take 
someone with you.''
  Bruce and Pam have passed down their wisdom to future generations, 
including their grandchildren. Their advice? It is not who gave the 
money but who made the difference; don't get your information from 
social media; and when you hear the jets fly overhead toward Offutt Air 
Force Base, realize that they are keeping us safe.''
  As Bruce has said: ``When you save someone, God remembers your 
name.''
  Thank you, Bruce and Pam. Surely, God does remember your names. 
``Thank you so much''; ``Toda rabah.''

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