[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 6] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages 8931-8932] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]HONORING HEAR O'ISRAEL OF HOUSTON, TX ______ HON. KEN BENTSEN of texas in the house of representatives Thursday, May 6, 1999 Mr. BENTSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a valued organization within the Houston community, Hear O'Israel, which is sponsoring Listen to the Cries of the Children National [[Page 8932]] during the month of April 1999. Hear O'Israel works to make a difference in the lives of the disabled, battered and abused women, the elderly and young people across Houston. They work to give these men and women a stronger sense of self-worth and instill in them the need to treat others with compassion and respect. The following resolution approved by the Houston City Council demonstrates the high regard for Hear O'Israel in our community. Listen to the Cries of the Children National A non-profit, non denominational organization, Hear O'Israel International, Inc. developed its Listen to the Cries of the Children National campaign to strengthen the unity of families and enhance public awareness of the negative effects that alcohol and drug abuse, family violence, child abuse, and gang activity have on children and their families. The campaign's goal is ``for everyone to Hear and Listen to the cries; stop violence; have mercy, love, and compassion for our fellow man, and turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers hence, linking the family together and creating the connection that should be present between every parent and child.'' The Listen to the Cries of the Children National campaign strives to focus public attention on the plight of children around the world who are abused, neglected, or physically challenged; and who does not have adequate food, shelter, clothing, and health care and all children, young and old, who are crying out for help. As part of its ongoing effort to help suffering children, I fear O'Israel International, Inc. has been going into schools and detention homes, campaigning with former gang members who were shot and, after becoming quadriplegic, are taking with them the evidence and consequences of their actions in order to help the children to become aware of the price they are paying. Hear O'Israel International, Inc. has also conducted community-oriented programs to help more children become aware of the negative consequences of gang involvement and drug and alcohol abuse. The Mayor and the City Council of the City of Houston do hereby salute Hear O'Israel International, Inc. for its efforts to improve and enhance the quality of life for our children, and external best wishes for continued success. Approved by the Mayor and City Council of the City of Houston this 8th day of April, 1999, A.D. ____________________