[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 213 (Wednesday, December 17, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H5945]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF RABBI GARY KLEIN

  (Mr. BILIRAKIS asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy 
of Rabbi Gary Klein, a devoted spiritual leader, dear friend, and true 
mensch.
  For 35 years, Rabbi Klein served as the spiritual heart of Temple 
Ahavat Shalom in Palm Harbor, Florida. He answered this sacred calling 
with humility, wisdom, and compassion. He guided his congregation with 
warmth and moral clarity. He built a community rooted in kindness, 
responsibility, and faith.
  I was honored to join him in his congregation for many Passover 
Seders, moments that reflected his generosity of spirit that I will 
never ever forget.
  Rabbi Klein's commitment to tikkun olam extended beyond the 
synagogue. A trusted adviser on Israel, he served on AIPAC's National 
Council and worked tirelessly to strengthen the U.S.-Israel 
relationship. I will miss him dearly. He was one of a kind and 
irreplaceable.
  Mr. Speaker, may his memory be eternal and a blessing, and may God 
comfort his grieving widow, Ilene, and devoted children. He was a 
wonderful, wonderful person.

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