Ritchie Torres

Mr. TORRES of New York

Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize the work of the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology as it is celebrating its centennial. As Israel's first university, the Technion has educated generations of engineers, architects, and scientists who have helped lay the Nation's infrastructure and establish its crucial high-tech industries. At every junction of the country's development, the Technion has been there, protecting the State of Israel. The Technion is a global leader in science, engineering, research, and technology education. Its unique culture of entrepreneurship empowers students to be visionary changemakers and global innovators. The Technion is a global university with a presence in New York and China, having partnerships with institutions like the University of Michigan, Cornell University, and MIT. By having the Joan and Irwin Jacobs Technion-Cornell Institute at Cornell Tech on New York City's Roosevelt Island, they can bring academia and industry together, featuring the Runway Startup Postdoc Program. In the past 100 years the Technion has become the leading university in Israel and Europe and one of the top 100 universities in the world. In 2020, the Technion was ranked No. 12 in the world for producing entrepreneurs, having generated 602 founders who have set up 509 companies and have raised $12.4 billion. Technion graduates comprise the majority of Israel-educated scientists and engineers, consulting more than 50 percent of the country's founders and managers of high- tech industries. Seven out of ten Israel-educated engineers are Technion graduates and 85 percent of the Israel technological workforce are companies led by Technion graduates. Technion alumni have founded a total of 1,075 companies, valued at more than $1 billion and have attracted $2.5 billion in venture capital per year. I also want to highlight the American Technion Society (ATS). Over the past 85 years, the ATS has raised a transformative amount of funding for Technion students, faculty, research, and infrastructure. This not only empowers Israel's economic growth and security, but betters the lives of people around the world. I give a big congratulations to the Technion and all of its accomplishments in the past 100 years. I am excited to see how it will continue to grow in the years to come.

Mr. TORRES of New York

Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, as a celebration of Women's History Month, I want to highlight the work and life of Dr. Julie Gafney. She has pushed both inclusive and equitable learning environments as well as environmental justice forward by leaps and bounds throughout her long career in both public policy and higher education. Dr. Gafney began her own educational journey at Tufts University and earned a Bachelor's in English Language and Literature. She then enrolled in the prestigious University of Chicago to pursue a Master's in Comparative Literature, and later completed her doctorate in English Language and Literature at The City University of New York. Dr. Gafney would later return to the University of Chicago to serve as a Project Manager for the Dean of Students and served as both an Adjunct Professor and later as a Senior Advisor to the President at the City University. Dr. Gafney has spent much of her life in higher education as both a student and administrator, making her work uniquely situated to bridge gaps in educational access. Dr. Gafney currently serves as the Assistant Vice President for Strategic Mission Initiatives at Fordham University, where she also teaches in the English department. Dr. Gafney and her team plan to soon launch the Bronx Research Institute for Community Solutions, a public think tank dedicated to leveraging higher education as a means for effecting change in the Bronx through partnerships with local policymakers and community leaders. Dr. Grande has also spearheaded many of Fordham's environmental justice initiatives and serves as the Chair of Fordham's Sustainability Council. Her work in sustainable development led to her role as the Thriving Communities Grantmaker Project Lead and Principal Investigator, where she spearheads Fordham's newly acquired $50 million dollar grant program that will focus on environmental justice across New York, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In addition to her role as Assistant Vice President for Strategic Mission Initiatives, Dr. Gafney is also the Executive Director of the Center for Community Engaged Learning (CCEL) at Fordham University. She focuses on student success, faculty development, and enhancing the University's levels of engagement within its own community, as well as with the wider Bronx and New York. Dr. Gafney is proudly recognized as a changemaker and pioneer, and her work will continue to inspire others to greater heights. I know that her work, especially the grant maker program, will be extremely transformative for so many communities across the region.

Mr. TORRES of New York

Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate Women's History Month, I want to honor some of the amazing and powerful women who live and work in the Bronx. Women like Denise Rosario Adusei, the Executive Director of the Bronx Children's Museum. Denise has left an indelible mark on the Bronx and in the greater New York area since beginning her journey in social entrepreneurship, authorship, and early childhood education leadership. Armed with a Master of Business Administration from Columbia Business School and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Brown University, she embarked on a journey inspired by a fervent desire to foster the growth of future generations. She assumed leadership of the Children's Museum in 2023 and has since spearheaded efforts to provide inclusive learning opportunities for Bronx children and families centered around transformative arts and science programs. Prior to joining the Children's Museum, Director Adusei founded the Peartree Preschool in Harlem, which stands as a testament to her dedication to innovative and collaborative education for children in New York City. Over the past twelve years, her initiative has aided the educational and emotional development of more than 1,500 students, as well as provided over 58 million dollars in tuition assistance for families pursuing education with private, competitive programs. Director Adusei's influence has also extended beyond the classroom: her work as an author and creative have led to the founding of Latinx Pitch and Black Creators HQ, a platform that provides resources and support for Black and Latinx authors and illustrators looking to bring diversity into children's literature. She is also a published author, with many of her books highlighting parts of her own identity and experience. Director Adusei's initiatives amplify underrepresented voices and have helped positively shape the world of children's literature. Denise Rosario Adusei's life is a testament to the transformative power of community, education, and cultural heritage. Her multifaceted background and educational pedigree serve as the bedrock for her remarkable career, and her dedication to building up community around the youth has shaped many young lives. I am thrilled she is part of the Bronx community and am excited to continue watching her amazing work.

Mr. TORRES of New York

Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize the work of Jennifer Bernstein during this Women's History Month. Jennifer is a distinguished leader renowned for her exceptional management prowess and commitment to philanthropy within the realms of culture, education, and environmental advocacy. As the CEO and William C. Steere Sr. President of the esteemed New York Botanical Garden, she has orchestrated transformative initiatives that underscore her visionary leadership. Upon assuming her role in 2021, Jennifer spearheaded the launch of a groundbreaking master site planning process, resulting in the formulation of ``Branching Out: A Strategic Plan for 2024-2030.'' This blueprint, which was ratified by the Board of Trustees in November 2023, charts a course for the Garden's evolution by revitalizing over 100 acres of its property, reinforcing its stature as a global scientific hub, and enriching programs dedicated to empowering the Bronx community. Jennifer's deep-rooted passion for environmental conservation drew her to NYBG, with its rich legacy of plant research and preservation. Prior to her tenure at the Garden, she served as the Chief Development Officer and interim Chief Operations Officer at the Natural Resources Defense Council. At NYBG, she champions the institution's mission to educate others on the pivotal role of plants in sustaining a vibrant ecosystem and nurturing a healthier planet. Jennifer's dedication extends beyond her professional career, as evidenced by her active involvement in organizations such as the Women's Forum of New York and the board of the City University of New York's Lehman College Foundation. Earlier in her career, she honed her fundraising abilities in leadership roles at institutions such as Pace University, Playwrights Horizon, and Roundabout Theatre. Her impressive resume exemplifies commitment to leveraging expertise in fundraising and board development to effect positive change on the cultural, educational, and environmental landscape of New York City and beyond. I would like to wish her continued success at the NYBG and am excited to see all the projects and programs she successfully leads at the garden.

Mr. TORRES of New York

Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, in an era defined by the relentless flow of information and never-before-seen levels of interconnectedness, some of the people we rely most upon are our journalists. Their dedication to bringing the truth to light, to fostering public discourse and to accuracy and integrity in their reporting is what makes their role that much more pivotal. News 12 anchor and reporter Asha McKenzie embodies these qualities, and I want to recognize her during this Women's History Month. An Emmy and Associated award-winning journalist, Asha has spent a decade in service to New York, including eight years spent in our own Bronx community, where she dedicated herself to being a voice for the voiceless. Her dedication has helped ensure that quality, fact-based reporting remains accessible to the wider public, and this effort has absolutely aided New Yorkers in staying informed and up to date on the most pressing issues we face. Her commitment to amplifying marginalized voices is admirable, and a trait we should hope to see within more of our media personalities. Asha's work has centered primarily around providing coverage on pressing social issues. Her award-winning documentary, ``No Blind Eye'', is a necessary deep dive into the reality of bullying and school violence, a threat so many of our young people sadly face. Her report on the Bronx-based startup ``Health in Her H.U.E.'', an organization dedicated to ending the racial disparity in healthcare, brought critical attention and awareness to this pressing problem and brought a potential solution to many New Yorkers. Asha leads by example, and her empathetic and insightful contributions have served as a cornerstone for journalistic integrity in her field. Asha's passion for change and belief that everybody's voice must be heard have made her a leader and icon in our community. I look forward to seeing more of her phenomenal work and cheer her on as she continues to mentor and inspire the youth across New York.

Mr. TORRES of New York

Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, to celebrate Women's History Month, I want to highlight the life and work of Surey I. Miranda- Alarcon. Born in Puerto Rico in 1989. Surey Miranda-Alarcon would grow into a passionate community organizer and equal-opportunity policy advocate across her home island and within the Bronx. She was educated in public schools in Hatillo, Camuy and Lares, then later earned a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Puerto Rico and a master's in economics from The New School in New York City. Surey began a career in public policy while still in university, working in both the United States House of Representatives and the Puerto Rico House of Representatives. Surey's upbringing would continue to inform and influence her work: while living in New York, she played an integral role in forming a coalition dedicated to supporting beneficial initiatives for Puerto Rico and Puerto Ricans living in the United States. She is the founder and President of Diaspora for Puerto Rico, which aided at-risk Puerto Ricans arriving in New York after the devastation of Hurricane Maria. She later worked in the New York Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs, the New York City Commission on Human Rights, and the Mayor's Community Affairs Office under former Mayor Bill De Blasio. During the COVID-19 pandemic. Surey worked to ensure that resources and information made their way through all of New York's communities, dedicating the strenuous years of the pandemic to aiding her fellow New Yorkers through distributing more than three million vaccines and PPE within the Bronx. Our community had one of the highest rates of hospitalizations and deaths due to COVID-19, making her work essential. Her dedication and ambition continue to inspire students to greater heights: she currently serves as a professor of economics at the State University of New York and works as the Director of Campus and Community Engagement at Fordham University. Her work at Fordham has centered around fostering initiatives and partnerships with neighboring communities, and under her leadership. Fordham University received a $50 million dollar grant that will go towards aiding communities in New York and Puerto Rico affected by climate change. Surey's work will positively impact communities in both New York and Puerto Rico for generations to come, and her dedication to community outreach and influential, impactful policy makes her an inspiration to many.

Mr. TORRES of New York

Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, to celebrate Women's History Month, I want to highlight Dr. Daisy Cocco De Filippis. She is the President and leader of Hostos Community College who has more than earned all our heartfelt admiration and thanks for her tireless work in administration and academia. Dr. Cocco De Filippis' work in higher education began with her role as Provost and Senior Vice President of Student Affairs at Hostos Community College in 2002, where her unwavering commitment to compassion shaped the lives and academic careers of her students until her departure in 2008, when she took on the role of President at Naugatuck Valley Community College in Waterbury, Connecticut. She served this institution for twelve years, inspiring students to new academic heights. She inspired these students with her own work and her own academic journey. Dr. Cocco De Filippis herself graduated summa cum laude from Queens College, with a Bachelor's in English and Spanish Literature, and then went on to pursue a Master of Arts in Spanish Literature, again from Queens College. Dr. Cocco De Filippis didn't stop there: she pursued a Master of Philosophy in Spanish Literature and a Ph.D. in Latin American Literature from the City University of New York Graduate Center. She was also the first person of Dominican ancestry to do so, cementing her legacy as a legendary pioneer in Dominican women's studies, Caribbean, and Dominican Diaspora literatures. For her work in these fields, she was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Santo Domingo, the oldest university in the Americas. Dr. Cocco De Filippis' resume is no doubt an inspiration to her students, just as it is an inspiration to me. Dr. Cocco De Filippis returned to Hostos Community College in 2020 as President and led the school through the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, navigating the difficult world of online learning and community preparedness with grace and hope. Hostos College reported significant advancements under her leadership. A myriad of impactful initiatives aimed at improving student life and accessibility have been implemented during her tenure, positively impacting both enrollment and retention. In early 2023, Hostos College unveiled a brand-new, cutting- edge research center established due to the generous donations garnered under Dr. Cocco De Filippis' leadership, which has allowed members of the Hostos faculty to explore new and more effective ways of teaching, all with the goal of improving Hostos' learning environment for students and professors alike. We are honored to recognize Dr. Cocco De Filippis' leadership and her achievements today. Her contributions have been invaluable to the lives of many, and we thank her for her relentless dedication to empowering others through education.

Mr. TORRES of New York

Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, Luciel Boles-Wilson (Ponder) was born in the Boogie Down Bronx to Nelson and Estelle Ponder on August 28, 1947. Growing up she loved math and upon graduating from Theodore Roosevelt High School in 1965 she went to work her first job as an assistant at MetLife Insurance New York. After a year of working there, she spent the next thirty years working as a project manager for Blue Cross Blue Shield. During that time, she experienced so many rich moments. She met her first husband, Russell M. Boles, Sr. and had two children, Bonita Ponder and Russell M. Boles, Jr. She would then get divorced, become a Grandmother and raise her first Grandchild, Walter J. Redden with the help of her second husband Austin Wilson. She would have many grandchildren, Russell Boles, Randolph Davis, Donovan Hines, Nia Boles, Russia Boles but because of special circumstances she raised her first grandchild as her own. She stopped working in 1996 due to complications with breast cancer. But she still has so much more love to share and give. So, she started a business from her Co-Op City apartment named Walter's Grandmother Daycare and After School Program where she would nurture the kids in her community. She even became the PTA president of middle school 181 while her grandson was studying there. Once her grandson was secure enough on his own, she moved to Nereid Ave and quickly became a frequent visitor of the R.A.I.N. Nereid Center. Then soon she would frequent all the R.A.I.N Centers in the Bronx. She became an active member of United Christian Baptist Church and went to every event there ever was in the Bronx. So many people had so many kind words for Miss Luciel. Senator Bailey called her a mother figure and a light in the community. District Attorney Clark said that Luciel personified the Bronx with her community service. Speaker Heastie called her the heart and soul of the Bronx. I want to close by echoing the words of Borough President Vanessa Gibson, ``Luciel Boles-Wilson, the life of the party, a great friend, a wonderful Mother and Grandmother, someone you can always count on to cheer you up, make you smile and light up the room with her presence.'' Let us keep the family in our hearts, and may she rest easy.

Mr. TORRES of New York

Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, today I was not present in the House Chamber. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 20 and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 21. personal explanation

Mr. TORRES of New York

Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, long before I was a Congressman and long before I had been a Council Member, I am and will always be the eternally grateful student of Michael DeStefano. For his influence on me is as powerful today, as it was nearly two decades ago, when God first brought him into my life. When I was a kid, growing up in the 1990s, I would watch a show known as Boy Meets World, which had an iconic character, a wise, revered teacher by the name of George Feeny. Mr. DeStefano was, in many ways, the Mr. Feeny of Herbert H. Lehman High School in the Bronx. As a teacher, Mr. DeStefano embodied for me the nobility of public education as a profession. And as a person, he was a formidable presence who could inhabit a room with the power of his personality and the force of his intellect. He had an eloquence and erudition that could captivate almost anyone who heard him speak. And captivate he did. Indeed, Mr. DeStefano was the first educator to inspire me. He engendered in me a love of words and ideas--a love that has remained with me ever since. He enabled me to discover a talent for public speaking I never thought I had. He encouraged me to lead the Lehman High School Law Team, which, I believe, set me on a trajectory that led to the New York City Council and then ultimately to the United States Congress. Words cannot capture the fullness of what Mr. DeStefano has meant to me. The only constant in life, it has been said, is change. The ancient Greek thinker, Heraclitus, put it best: no person steps into the same river twice. The river is not the same, and neither is the person. Everyone and everything changes constantly at every moment. Reflecting on the theme of a constantly changing self, William James once observed that we have various selves at various points in our lives, and how do we know which one of those selves is the true self? According to James, the true self is one in which we feel most deeply and intensely alive. Mr. DeStefano inspired me to pursue Moot Court in high school, and it is through Moot Court where I began discovering something resembling my true self, where I felt most deeply and intensely alive for the first time in my life. As a student at Lehman High School, I remember looking for reasons to stop by Mr. DeStefano's office just to listen to and learn from him, just to be inspired by him. He never disappointed. He never ceased to amaze me with the sheer breadth of his knowledge and the sheer eloquence with which he could express every thought that came to mind and the sheer seamlessness with which he could move from one subject area to the next: philosophy and history and psychology, economics and international relations, literature, and religion. He could speak effortlessly about all of it. He had anecdotes and allusions, quotes and statistics that he could readily recover from his encyclopedic mind. Whether it is Abraham Maslow's theory of self-actualization as the highest human need or Immanuel Kant's concept of the thing in itself or Soren Kierkegaard's leap of faith: all of these ideas that continue to shape how I think about life and the world were born out of conversations with Mr. DeStefano nearly two decades ago. Those dialogues with Mr. DeStefano remain fresh in my mind as if we had spoken yesterday. I often find myself wondering: What would Mr. DeStefano do about a particular problem? What would he think about a particular question? As I ask these questions, I am reminded that I am a better person and a better public servant for having had Mr. DeStefano as an educator in my life. Mr. DeStefano brought out the best in me, and that, to me, is the greatest gift that one can give you. I am grateful to his wife for sharing her brilliant husband and to his daughters for sharing their brilliant father with the students of Lehman High School, where he served with distinction as an Assistant Principal and teacher for decades. He was a close confidante of Robert Leder, who at the time was the longest serving principal in the NYC public school system, beloved by many in the Bronx and beyond. The two of them, together, were the dream team in public education. I miss and love them both. Mr. DeStefano's legacy will live on not only in the lives of his family and friends but also in the lives of his students. I will end as I began: I am proud to be a student of Michael DeStefano--always have been and always will be. May my greatest teacher Rest in Peace.

Mr. TORRES of New York

Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, Denzel Bimpey was a beacon of joy and positivity in the lives of those around him. His contagious smile, warm spirit, and unwavering kindness touched everyone he encountered. He was a devoted brother, a cherished son, a beloved cousin, and a dear friend to many. His laughter filled rooms and his presence brought light to the darkest of days. Denzel's brothers referred to him as the star of the family. He was filled with charisma and this personality went perfectly with his wonderful sense of humor, making him an absolute joy to be around. He loved his family just as much as they loved him. His sister's words encapsulate how important Denzel was to those around him, ``Denzel's light in my life was an emotional masterpiece. He, among my four protectors, stood as a pure-headed soldier, radiating affection in a beautifully unique way. Denzel's sensitivity to emotions, his lack of grudges, and absence of envy made him profoundly special. He was the luminous star in my life, my baby brother, my best friend, my love--the very pulse of my being. May your journey lead you to our ancestors and the heavenly embrace.'' His spirit will live on through the love of his family and his community.

Mr. TORRES of New York

Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, I was not present in the House Chamber. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on rollcall No. 716, and NAY on rollcall No. 717.

Mr. TORRES of New York

Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, Georgina Cardona, affectionately known as Gina, was a woman of extraordinary kindness and caring, and left this world at the young age of 95. Her constant commitment to community and family formed the pillars for who she was in life. Gina moved into our community in the winter of 1952 from The Island of Puerto Rico with her husband Eliseo and only son Aureo. The three lived in a rooming house owned by the Rivera family, this is where she came to love the South Bronx and all those who lived there with her, including her beloved ``Bronx Bombers''. After settling in, Gina continued her dedication to service of others by graduating with honors from the Helena Fuld School of Nursing. She started her career at Hunts Point Hospital as a surgical nurse, then worked at the Hospital for Joint Diseases until her retirement 40 years later. During her years in healthcare, she was instrumental in groundbreaking medical procedures and became a highly respected leader in the industry. While tirelessly working to improve the health of her fellow community members, she also fought for the Bronx we see today. Her political activism was integral in rebuilding the South Bronx. Gina always found the time and energy to campaign, mobilize, and organize her fellow community members to make lasting, positive changes for the South Bronx. Her passion for service and change was instilled in her family, especially her son and granddaughter who continue her legacy of love and community. She was as proud of her civic engagement as I am inspired by it. A beacon of strength, Gina was the Matriarch of her beloved family. Like many in her generation, she sent much of her hard-earned money to help her mother and sisters in Puerto Rico. Ultimately, she helped to settle them in the South Bronx. Gina continued to bring her family together by helping to move her aunt and younger cousins to Brooklyn. Gina's commitment to her family is exemplified by these acts of selflessness. While the Bronx became Gina's new home she never forgot where she came from. She would go back to Puerto Rico annually to see her aunt, uncle, and cousins. She would celebrate Puerto Rican heritage month with her brother and his family every year in Connecticut. She also made sure to teach her family in New York to appreciate and learn their history and culture. She did this through language, tradition, food. music, and celebrations. She embraced and loved her family with her entire heart. She will be sorely missed. I want to recognize her truly amazing impact on our community and anyone who knew her. Gina was a healer through and through. From saving lives as a nurse to helping rebuild her community to taking care of her family, she always worked to heal those around her. In the words of Gina's only Granddaughter Ralina, she left behind a legacy of family and love, not in words but in her deeds.

Mr. TORRES of New York

Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, Yossi Hershkovitz was a man of extraordinary integrity and kindness. His commitment to family and community, and of course to defending his beloved Israel, formed the cornerstone of his life. He had a serious, steadfast, calm demeanor and a smile that warmed your soul. Resolute and principled, he balanced his strength with a soft-spoken, warm, and generously compassionate nature. Yossi was a deeply feeling and caring person and educator. There seemed to be an endless reservoir of goodness within him. Yossi personified the essence of being a ``mensch'' (a person of integrity). He consistently showed up for others and sought to increase the feelings of unity, light, and positivity in the world. When Israel's innocent were targeted, there was no question that he would rise up to defend them; and, of course, he made the ultimate sacrifice in doing so. Yossi was born in Jerusalem on May 31, 1979. He graduated from the Horeb School and the Birkat Moshe Yeshiva in Ma'ale Adumim and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in Near and Middle Eastern Studies at Bar Ilan University and a master's degree in educational administration from Herzog College. In September 2012, he and his wife Hadas, along with their two children, arrived in the Bronx to work at SAR Academy, a Modern Orthodox Yeshiva day school. While this adventure took them away from Israel, its purpose was actually an extension of Yossi's deep commitment to Israel and the Jewish people, as they spent the next four years working with American students to deepen their connection to Israel, and instill a love of Hebrew and Jewish unity. They settled in Riverdale, leaving their family and support system behind in Israel. A young couple with two small children who did not speak English, they quickly found a supportive network within the Bronx and at SAR. Even as they worked to adjust to their new community, the Hershkovitz family generously opened their home to others, becoming an integral part of the community rather than ``visitors.'' During their four year stay, they left an indelible mark on the neighborhood and hundreds of students. Teachers from SAR Academy remember how Yossi truly saw the good in every single child he met. Central to SAR's mission is the idea that every child has a ``divine spark,'' and it was immediately clear that this came naturally for Yossi, as he effortlessly connected with each child by believing in them fully. As SAR Principal, Rabbi Krauss, shared, ``Yossi's approach to teaching was rooted in compassion and caring for each student as an individual. He was a man of strong ideals and Torah principles, living out his beliefs both in and out of the classroom.'' Yossi's previous work with at-risk youth in Israel gave him a soft spot for connecting with kids in need of extra care, and in his quiet way, he made a tremendous impact in the lives of so many students. His care was felt by all. As one student, Avi, described: ``Moreh Yossi taught me to believe in myself. All of his students looked up to him and sensed he was unique in his courage and heroism.'' This was echoed by another student, Oren, who remembers, ``he taught us discipline and exemplified a focused, serious mindset. At the same time, he laughed with us, and in doing so taught us that completing any task can be enjoyable and meaningful. He taught us important values of living a Godly life.'' Yossi and his wife Hadas were a power couple. They gave 110 percent to everything that they did while at SAR. Yossi was an elegant musician who added depth to any musical performance in school, especially on Israel's Memorial Day. When he played the violin, he did so with his whole soul. His colleague in Israel, Shalom Weil, later wrote of his playing: ``He was a strong, solid fellow, but when he played the violin, his whole soul peaked out from his heart.'' He and Hadas took their mission seriously and were roll-up-your-sleeves, ``can-do'' people who endlessly gave of themselves. Teachers spoke about how when chaperoning a trip, having Yossi around was like having 10 people. No task was beneath him. He was always on board. The entire family would join the students on weekend retreats. Yossi remarkably balanced being a fully engaged teacher and a present father. Students and teachers remember watching him sitting on the floor with the babies to give his wife time to relax and enjoy during the school trips. As their family grew with the arrival of their new baby in 2014, they continued to make the most of their time in America. They regularly took advantage of time off to travel, packing into their car and traveling cross country to see the great American sights. Upon his return to Israel in August 2016, Yossi and Hadas moved to Gush Etzion's G'vaot. As Rabbi Krauss described, ``This community integrates people with special needs--in and of itself a testament to Yossi's inclusive spirit and commitment to fostering a supportive environment for all.'' He also became the principal of ORT Pelech for Boys in Jerusalem. While the head of school, Yossi was instrumental in introducing the use of an app named `good point' which encourages teachers to spend a few minutes a day writing positive notes about a student into an app which automatically sends the compliment directly to the student and their parents. The app exemplifies Yossi's commitment to seeing and growing the good in people. Israeli Education Minister Yoav Kisch expressed his deep sorrow, describing Yossi as ``a well-known and beloved educator who inspired his teachers and students . . . a first-rate educator. The entire education system aches and mourns his fall.'' Above all, Yossi's enormous heart and belief in humanity could be seen in his deep commitment and connection to his family. ``Hershkovitz was as devoted to his wife, Hadas, and his children as he was to his students,'' his former principal wrote. ``He truly loved his wife. I learned about how to be a father and how to be a spouse from him.'' Yossi and his wife, Hadas, were true partners in life, making decisions together that exemplified their commitment to each other, their family, and to Israel. His legacy will live on in his five children, Be'eri, Halel, Tal, Shire and Neta, each of whom either spoke or wrote something to be read at his funeral. They spoke of his deep devotion to them, thanking him for studying with them and for being their hero. While they questioned who would now be strong for them, it was also clear that although there is no way to fill the gaping hole that has been left in this world, his family would certainly carry on his legacy. Yossi's deep commitment to Israel shaped his entire life, and he knew that this war may mean the ultimate sacrifice. When he left to join the war, he shared with Hadas that this would probably be the last time he went into battle. As a member of the 551st brigade, he was killed alongside four of his fellow unit soldiers as they approached what turned out to be a booby-trapped tunnel next to a mosque in Beit Hanoun. As Zvika Peleg, CEO of the ORT network put it, ``Yossi's fall in the war of light against the dark, unjustly, is a symbol of the extraordinary man and educator he was.'' Yossi's students will need to adjust to entering school without being greeted by his warmth and deep belief in them. Yossi's children will need to learn how to be strong in his name and live without their hero. Yossi's wife will need to learn to make her way through life without her partner, her rock, her anchor. Medinat Yisrael will have to learn to forge on without one of their champions, a man molded by the nation's values and who gave his life protecting them. And, the world will need to learn how to go on without Yossi's light, and must make a promise to do whatever it can to make sure that all he stood for is never extinguished. May his memory be a blessing.

Mr. TORRES of New York

Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, I was not present in the House Chamber today. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 643, ``yea'' on rollcall No. 644, and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 645.

Mr. TORRES of New York

Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 578, I voted ``nay'' when I intended to vote ``yea.''

Mr. TORRES of New York

Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, Oct. 7th is a day that will live in infamy as the most gruesome terrorist attack in the history of the Jewish State. Thousands of Israelis were murdered, raped, tortured, and abducted as hostages. Ten percent of the members of an Israeli kibbutz, Kfar Asar, were massacred. About 260 young Israelis partying at a music festival were gunned down. Babies were butchered, burned and beheaded. The ONLY morally acceptable response to such incomprehensible terror is overwhelming outrage at the boundless barbarism of Hamas. While most of the civilized world, led by President Biden, rightly recoiled in horror at Hamas and condemned its terrorism immediately and unequivocally, Israel's ideological enemies here in the US found cause for celebration at the sight of dead Jews. Imagine, for a moment, the inconsolable grief of a Jewish mother whose baby has been butchered to death. Could you imagine anything more callous and cruel than telling that grieving mother: You had it coming. You and your people brought the terror upon yourselves. Those were the shocking sentiments of the New York City-Democratic Socialists of America (NYC-DSA), which wasted no time in holding a hate rally romanticizing the terrorism of Hamas as ``resistance.'' The DSA was hardly alone in blaming the victims of terrorism rather than the terrorists themselves. Something is rotten in the state of America. When the institutional leaders in our country cannot condemn the cold-blooded murder of Israeli children and civilians with moral clarity, one must ask: what kind of society are we becoming? What does the silence and indifference and cowardice--from these so- called leaders--tell us about the depth of anti-Semitism in America and the reckoning required? The time has come to confront not only the symptoms but the disease: a Democratic Socialist industrial complex that indoctrinates young Americans with an anti-Israel hatred so virulent that it renders them indifferent to the deadliest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust. Anti-Israel extremism, which has been given a veneer of mainstream respectability in law schools and legislatures, is aided and abetted by the sheer spinelessness of so-called ``leaders''--from public officials to the presidents of colleges and universities. Days of silence were often followed by words of cowardice, if there were any words at all. Northwestern University, for example, said it had no plans to ``put out a statement officially stating a University position.'' Imagine that: a university that cannot be bothered to take a position on a pogrom against Jews. Have we learned nothing from the long and ugly history of Anti-Semitism? There is nothing accidental about the disregard for Israeli life that revealed itself in the wake of Oct. 7. The dehumanization of Israeli victims follows inevitably from the hyperbolic and systematic demonization of Israel itself. Anti-Israel hate and hysteria have been allowed to fester freely in academia, social media, the political arena, and elsewhere. It has been propagated by Astroturf activists and academics, amplified by their enablers in elected office, and subsidized by government and civil society. When people are made to believe the most dangerous lies about Israel--that Israel is the root of all evil on earth; that it is a ``75-year occupation'' that must be wiped off the map from the ``river to the sea''; that Israelis are not civilians but settlers who can be fairly targeted for ``resistance''; that Israelis are committing genocide and ethnic cleansing against the Palestinians and harvesting their organs and using the blood of their children; that Israel is always the aggressor and Hamas always the resister: when you tell so many lies and incite so much hate, what do you think will happen? How do you think the believers internalizing these lies will respond to the savage slaughter of Israelis? This is a moral monstrosity made in America, and one that America must unmake. The anti-Israel hate increasingly possessing the American mind is a demon that must be exorcised from our body politic. For America cannot long remain a decent society if the next generation of Americans are made to be indifferent to the barbaric butchering of Israeli civilians and children. I, for one, stand with Israel as it seeks to defend itself. Despite the profound pain of the present, Israel will emerge from it all better and stronger than ever before. It will outlive the pernicious lies and the dangerous demagogues who tell them. It will outlive the extremism of the DSA and BDS. It will outlive the terrorism of Iran and its proxies, Hamas and Hezbollah. Israel will live on--for the next 75 years and beyond. Resilience is the DNA and destiny of the Jewish people and the Jewish State. It always has been and always will be. I am as certain of that as I am of anything. The Jewish Nation lives on (Am Yisrael Chai).

Mr. TORRES of New York

Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Dr. Clarence Jones' work on the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington. Sixty years ago, those words were spoken by Dr. Martin Luther King but written by Dr. Clarence Jones, who lived in the Bronx, and in Riverdale, in the fateful year of 1963. The members of the Bronx family have gathered here today to celebrate not only a great American, but one of the greatest. We're here to celebrate a man who labored and loitered behind the scenes and behind the dream for the greatest cause in American history. The cause of equal rights, equal justice, and equal protection under the law. As a lawyer, Clarence Jones not only practiced law, he transformed it. As a civil rights leader, Clarence Jones not only had a dream, he realized it and by the grace of God, he has lived to see it. We are in a room full of people of every color and every creed. Black and white, Latino and Asian, Jews, Christians, and Muslims. We are collectively the realization of Dr. Jones' dream. Our unity is the culmination of his life's work. The legacy of Dr. King and Dr. Jones achieved nothing less than the liberation of the people and the reconstruction of a Nation. America has lived through two reconstructions and its history. Whereas the first reconstruction largely failed in the hands of Jim Crow. The second reconstruction, I believe, has largely succeeded on the strength of the civil rights movement. In spite of all the challenges confronting America, despite the racism that persists even in our own time, there can be no denying how far we have come as a country. How much we have overcome as a people and how high Dr. Jones and Dr. King have lifted us all. And if anyone has any doubts about the moral magnitude of what has been achieved in these past 60 years, look no further than our own city. For the first time in history, the Speaker of the New York City Council, the Speaker of the New York State Assembly, and the future Speaker of the United States House of Representatives are all African American. For the first time in history, the mayors of America's four largest cities, including New York, are all African American. There are 1000s of elected officials, like myself, of all races and religions who stand firmly on the shoulders of moral giants like Dr. King and Dr. Jones. We owe these giants a debt that we can never repay, but it is a debt that we must never forget. Dr. Clarence Jones was a counsel and close confidant of Dr. Martin Luther King. When Dr. King was jailed in Birmingham, Alabama for protesting segregation, it was Clarence Jones who visited Dr. King in jail twice a day. And it was Clarence Jones who smuggled out Dr. King's famous Letter from a Birmingham Jail. As a Riverdale resident, Dr. Jones played a pivotal role in co-organizing America's greatest March and in co-writing America's greatest speech. Not only did he reside in Riverdale in 1963, he arranged for Dr. King to move into his Riverdale home in the lead up to the March on Washington and the I Have a Dream speech. The Riverdale home of Dr. Jones came to be known as Dr. King's quote, ``Command Post North.'' Dr. Martin Luther King and Dr. Clarence Jones were both American revolutionaries in 1963. The most powerful revolutions in history are not only those that change the nature of an economy or the nature of technology. The revolutions that ultimately matter most are those that changed the hearts and minds of a people. Dr. King and Dr. Jones inspired a revolution where it mattered most in the very soul of America. That revolution of the American soul remains with us 60 years later. Clarence Jones remains with us 60 years later. And as one of the few living members of Dr. King's innermost circle, Clarence Jones has been described as the last of the lions. At age 92, Dr. Jones shows no signs of retiring from his lifelong struggle for social justice. He presently serves as the chair of a non-for- profit, known as Spill the Honey, which is dedicated to building bridges between the black community and the Jewish community. Dr. Jones is the product of the civil rights movement that inspired powerful moments of black Jewish solidarity. The image of Dr. Martin Luther King, and Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, marching for voting rights all the way from Selma to Montgomery. These two men of faith in the words of Rabbi Heschel ``were praying with their feet.'' There were Jewish Americans and African Americans who not only fought together, but also died together for the cause of civil rights. Andrew Goodman, Michael Schwerner, James Cheney, all were murdered in the Mississippi Burning. The least we can do is honor their memory with unity in our own time. The moral lesson of history is that we are all in this together. What matters more than the particulars of our race and religion. What matters more than the details of our color and creed is something universal, our common humanity. Upholding that common humanity has been the life work of Clarence Jones. Dr. King famously said, ``Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere''. Bearing those words in mind, a decade ago, I went to Yad Vashem the Holocaust memorial in Israel. I came across an unforgettable quote that has remained with me ever since. Quote, ``First the Nazis came from the socialists, and I did not speak out because I was not a socialist. Then they came to the trade unions, and l did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist. And then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak up because I was not a Jew. And then they came from me, and there was no one left to speak for me.'' Let us never forget that we are all in this together. That we are all bound together by shared humanity. That we are all equal creations in the image of God. There is no one in America who knows the self-evident truth more deeply in his mind, feels it more deeply in the soul, and who has lived it more faithfully in his life for nearly a century than Clarence Jones. So on behalf of the people of the Bronx, I have the district pleasure of honoring Dr. Jones' roots in Riverdale, his role in America's greatest March, America's greatest speech, and America's greatest moral revolution and reconstruction.

Mr. TORRES of New York

Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, I was not present in the House Chamber today. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 388, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 389, ``yea'' on rollcall No. 390, and ``nay'' on rollcall No. 391.

Mr. TORRES of New York

Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, I was not present in the House Chamber today. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 386 and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 387.

Mr. TORRES of New York

Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, I was not present in the House Chamber today. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on Rollcall No. 383, ``yea'' on Rollcall No. 384, and ``yea'' on Rollcall No. 385. personal explanation

Mr. TORRES of New York

Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the historic ``I Have a Dream'' speech delivered by the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., I rise to honor not only the transformative impact of this iconic address but also to recognize the significant contribution of Dr. Clarence B. Jones to its creation. Furthermore, it is imperative that we acknowledge the instrumental role that the vibrant Bronx neighborhood of Riverdale played in the enduring legacy of this momentous event. The ``I Have a Dream'' speech, delivered on August 28, 1963, during the March on Washington, stands as an indelible marker of American history. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s eloquence and vision, as expressed in that speech, continue to inspire and challenge us to this day. His words called for unity, justice, and equality, transcending the barriers of time and space to resonate with generations that followed. Yet, we must not forget the individuals who labored behind the scenes to shape Dr. King's words into a powerful message that moved hearts and ignited change. Among them, Dr. Clarence B. Jones, a brilliant and dedicated speechwriter, lawyer, and trusted advisor, played a pivotal role in crafting the speech's content. His intellect, passion, and commitment to justice were integral to capturing the essence of the civil rights movement and encapsulating the dreams and aspirations of millions. Moreover, as we reflect on the ``I Have a Dream'' speech, we must recognize the Bronx neighborhood of Riverdale's important connection to this historic moment. Riverdale, known for its diverse community and rich cultural tapestry, served as an inspirational backdrop for discussions and dialogues that fueled the civil rights movement. It was a place where individuals from various walks of life gathered, exchanged ideas, and organized actions that contributed to the momentum for change. Riverdale's commitment to social justice and equality is a testament to the enduring values that continue to shape our Nation. As we commemorate this 60th anniversary, let us not only celebrate the progress we have made but also recommit ourselves to the unfulfilled aspects of the dream. Let us strive for a society where justice prevails, where all individuals are judged by the content of their character, and where the legacy of the ``I Have a Dream'' speech lives on in our actions. It is a great privilege to honor Dr. Clarence B. Jones' contribution to the crafting of the ``I Have a Dream'' speech and in recognizing the vital role that the Bronx neighborhood of Riverdale played in shaping the ideals and aspirations that continue to guide our Nation toward a more just and equitable future.

Mr. TORRES of New York

Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Israel Nitzan for successfully completing his distinguished tenure as the Acting Consul General of Israel in New York, a role he has admirably held from 2018 to 2023. The Office of the Consul General, or the Lishka, plays a pivotal role in fostering strong ties between the State of Israel and influential organizations and agencies in the New York Metro area. Throughout his tenure, Consul General Nitzan has been instrumental in bolstering Israel's positive image in the media, while keeping the local community abreast of significant developments within the Israeli community and political landscape. He has effectively rallied support for Israel, inspiring both members and young leaders to take proactive and supportive measures for the nation. Additionally, his initiatives in organizing missions to Israel and fostering enduring relationships with local, state, and national elected officials have proven invaluable in enhancing understanding and cooperation between our Nations. Beyond his tenure in New York, Consul General Nitzan's illustrious career has spanned the globe. He notably served as the Spokesperson in the Israeli Embassy in Egypt from 2002 to 2005, followed by his role as Deputy Chief of Mission from 2009 to 2011. In his subsequent role as Minister-Counselor for Political Affairs at the Permanent Mission of Israel to the United Nations, Consul General Nitzan represented Israel's interests before the UN Security Council, effectively monitoring and advancing Israeli political engagement and policies within the UN system. Israel Nitzan's dedication and tireless efforts have undeniably advanced America's relationship with 1 of our closest and strongest allies As he concludes this chapter in his career, I extend my sincere gratitude for his invaluable contributions. May he be commended for his outstanding service, and may his future endeavors continue to be marked by success and dedication to the cause of international diplomacy.

Mr. TORRES of New York

Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, Venancio ``Benny'' Catala, Jr., known affectionately as ``Big Ben'' and ``Benny from the Block,'' was a pillar of the Bronx community, touching thousands of lives through his political activism and outreach. A proud Puerto Rican, Mr. Catala immigrated from San Juan to New York City at just 4 years old. He attended New York City public schools throughout his childhood and later enrolled and graduated from Monroe College. By age 16, he was already serving his community via his numerous jobs through the Summer Youth Employment Program. At 18, he began his career in public service as a Constituent Services Representative for the office of the Honorable Aurelia Greene, connecting constituents to resources such as education programs, housing, and state social services. He was promoted to the Constituent Services Director and later District office Liaison to the Albany Legislative Office. From 2002 to 2006, he served as Director of Constituent Services for the Office of Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion, Jr., helping residents reach city agencies and services. During the construction of the new Yankee Stadium, a beloved Bronx landmark, Mr. Catala oversaw community engagement, arranging local hiring provisions, contracts with minority and women owned businesses, and small business partnerships. In 2012, he became Director of Diversity Initiatives for the Yankees, building relationships between the Yankees and local community leaders, schools, nonprofits, and cultural organizations. In a return to politics, Mr. Catala was appointed researcher for the State Democratic Assembly Campaign Committee in 2016 as well as serving as the Vice Chair and Sergeant at Arms of the Bronx Democratic County Committee, working with members of the Bronx Democratic party and New York State assemblymembers. He was also the Male District Leader of the 77th Assembly District serving Assemblywoman Latoya Joyner and the president of the Rev. Jerome A. Greene Democratic Club, running voter registration drives, and supporting district leaders. Mr. Catala's lasting impact on his community is truly immeasurable. We will never forget his tireless dedication to the Bronx; may he rest in peace.

Mr. TORRES of New York

Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, I thank Ranking Member Meeks for his friendship and mentoring, and I thank Chairman McCaul and Ranking Member Meeks for setting the gold standard of bipartisanship here in Congress. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. Lawler) for his legislative partnership and leadership. If there is one cause that should transcend partnership, it is the cause of peace in the Middle East. Building a bridge between Israel and the Arab world is neither a Democratic value nor a Republican value. It is an American value. The Abraham Accords is both an affirmation of Arab-Israeli peace and a rejection of BDS as a relic of the past. Indeed, the three noes of the Khartoum Resolution have been replaced by the three yeses of the Abraham Accords: yes to recognition of Israel, yes to negotiations with Israel, and yes to peace with Israel. The Abraham Accords is an achievement so monumental that it demands and deserves its own special envoy whose sole and singular mission is to build on the inexorable progress of peace in the Middle East. Today, we in the United States Congress are bending the long arc of the Middle East exactly where it belongs, toward peace and prosperity for Jews, Christians, and Muslims. The children of Abraham are finally standing together as one, divided no longer.