Ileana Ros-Lehtinen

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Randy Espinet has been a leading figure in our Cuban-American community for decades.

A fellow graduate of the University of Miami, my alma mater, Randy has devoted his time to improving our beloved community each and every day.

He never ceases to put the needs of others before his own, and his determination to better the lives of those around him is a testament to his character.

As a political activist in South Florida, Randy works hard to advocate for those who need it most.

Whether he is supporting national Cuban-American initiatives--or advocating for a noble cause at the municipal or state level--his commitment to public service is unwavering, and South Florida is proud to have him in our corner.

Mr Speaker, I am honored to recognize Mr. Randy Espinet, an upstanding member of our community, and I am confident that he will continue to better our slice of paradise for years to come.

Thank you (Gracias) to Randy for all he does

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the historic Temple Moses in Miami Beach and its Executive Director, Rabbi D. Galimidi-Hadar.

Temple Moses is a staple and beacon of our beloved South Florida. It serves as a hub for Turkish-Spanish or Sephardic Jews across the world, a community of which I am proud to be a part through my grandparents who emigrated to Cuba from Turkey. Originating in Spain over 500 years ago, Sephardic Jews continue to celebrate that heritage through food, song, and prayer. From Spain to Turkey, beginning a hundred years ago, until the present time, the Sephardic Jewish community has become a leader in scholarship, events, and celebration of the Judeo-Spanish life. They are a shining example of diversity and modernity as well as culture and faith.

At Temple Moses Rabbi D. Galimidi-Hadar leads the largest Judeo- Spanish community in the world. He founded the `Next Sephardic Generation', a grassroots organization aimed at revitalizing and rebuilding the Judeo-Spanish community, and was named one of America's `Most Inspiring Rabbis' by Forward magazine. He's also been recognized in the Sun Sentinel newspaper and honored for his work by both the Miami Beach Commission and Mayor as well as by the Florida Senate. Rabbi D. Galimidi-Hadar was the only member of the clergy to address the Florida Senate after the Parkland shooting and has been an advocate for those in need throughout Florida. He has written the commentary for the Sephardic Siddur series and is currently working on a book about the Sephardic experience in America.

Mr. Speaker, Temple Moses and Rabbi D. Galimidi-Hadar have been a shining light in South Florida and I am grateful to have them representing us worldwide.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate my constituent Helen Witty on being named the national president of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, also known as MADD.

Helen, along with her husband, John, experienced the ultimate tragedy when their 16-year-old daughter, Helen Marie Witty, shown in this photo with her brother John was killed by a young drunk and drugged driver while she was rollerblading on a bike path near her home in Pinecrest in June of 2000.

It was not long after that nightmare that Helen joined this magnificent organization where she was able to channel her unbearable loss into a forward-looking outlet where she could be a champion for her daughter's legacy, while also making an effective and positive impact on society.

Although 18 years have passed, it seems like just yesterday that we lost our bright, beautiful Palmetto Senior High School honors student who became a beloved treasure in our hometown and who is still widely talked about and referenced throughout our community today.

Helen, congratulations on this incredible achievement, and this opportunity is rightfully deserved to spread your message that it is a crime to drive drunk and drugged.

South Florida is fortunate to have Helen, and I am confident that Helen Marie is looking down from Heaven and could not be any more proud of you.

Thank you, amiga.