[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 12025]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               IN HONOR OF THE MOSES AND AARON FOUNDATION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JERROLD NADLER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 26, 2002

  Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Moses and Aaron 
Foundation for its commitment to special children and their families. I 
recognize with gratitude the Foundation's significant and enduring 
humanitarian efforts and applaud all those who have given of themselves 
to fulfill its mission.
  The Moses and Aaron Foundation ``Special Fund for Children'' is 
dedicated to assisting children with disabilities and their families 
with a wide range of programs including social, physical, financial and 
wheelchair assistance, as well as counseling and guidance.
  It also provides scholarship funding to educational institutions, 
collects, purchases, and distributes clothing for children in need, and 
remembers them with presents at holiday time or when they are 
hospitalized. This past year, the Foundation provided hundred of toys 
to the children of New York City's Police and Fire Department's fallen 
heroes.
  In cooperation with Bally Fitness Centers and under the direction of 
its President Rabbi Yaacov Kaploun, and Executive Vice President Yehuda 
Kaploun, the Foundation has been able to establish 22 physical fitness 
and therapy centers and has arranged for sound and musical equipment in 
other institutions.
  In conjunction with Downtown Film Productions, The Moses and Aaron 
Foundation produced ``Chazak--A Testament of Strength'', an award 
winning documentary highlighting the effect of music on special 
children. This monumental documentary serves as a vehicle to sensitize 
and educate the entire community on the needs of its special and 
outstanding citizens.
  On Saturday night, July 20, 2002 at the Monticello Raceway in 
Monticello, New York, the Moses and Aaron Foundation under the Honorary 
Chairmanship of Nobel Laureate Eli Weisel, will sponsor its sixth 
Summer ``Chazak--Strength'' Concert paying tribute to special children. 
The guests of honor will be the special children, some of whom will 
perform with the entertainers on stage. A tribute will also be held in 
memory of the fallen heroes of the September 11th attack on the World 
Trade Center.
  The corporate and individual sponsors of the Moses and Aaron 
Foundation include Mr. David Buntzman, Mr. Jonathan Fleisig, Mr. Robert 
Gans, Mrs. Richard Gans, Mr. Avi and Dr. Laura Greenbaum, Mr. and Mrs. 
David Hirsch, Mr. and Mra. Ira Rennert, Mr. Charles Rosenay, Dr. Steven 
Stowe, and Mr. Eli Rothman. I recognize the late Phyllis Cohen for her 
support of the Foundation, contributing to the improvement in the 
quality of life of special children.
  I also recognize the support given to the Moses and Aaron Foundation 
by Steve and Shirley Slesinger, who have brought happiness and smiles 
to the faces of millions of America's youth by bringing Winnie the Pooh 
and other characters to the screen and printed world, with particular 
credit to Shirley Slesinger Lasswell for creating and cultivating one 
of the best loved bear in history.
  The Moses and Aaron Foundation was founded in memory of Rabbi Dr. 
Maurice I. Hecht and Aaron Kaploun, both of whom led lives of exemplary 
community service. It is in this sentiment of communal dedication that 
the Moses and Aaron Foundation has devoted itself to serving the needs 
of a unique group in the community.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring the Moses and Aaron 
Foundation. Their work has truly made a difference in the lives of 
thousands.

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