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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E320]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[[Page E320]]
TRIBUTE TO JOSE AND MAGALY ROHAIDY
______
HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.
of new jersey
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, March 15, 2000
Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call to your attention the
deeds of two distinguished members of the Hispanic community and the
community-at-large, Jose and Magaly Rohaidy of West New York, New
Jersey, who are being feted today because of their many years of
service and leadership. It is only fitting that we gathered here in
their honor, for they epitomize care, generosity and professionalism.
Both of these eminent community leaders are dedicated journalists,
Jose has served his profession since he was a young man in Havana,
Cuba. He was the director for ``Radio Nacional'' of Cuba. The time
spent working with this organization instilled in Jose the attributes
necessary for him to become a stellar force in the journalism
community. Jose has been a reporter for El Diario-La Prensa for more
than 30 years. In addition he has worked with Radio WADO for more than
two decades.
Known for a questioning mind and an ability to get things done,
Magaly Rohaidy has also had a distinguished career. She began in the
textile industry in Cuba. In 1970 she founded Mini-Mundo Magazine and
served as Director. She has also been a reporter for El Diario for more
than 15 years.
Jose and Magaly Rohaidy both were born in Cuba, and have been
blissfully married for more than 42 years. They have four children,
Lourdes, Maria Magdelena, Gabriel and Jose Gabriel. They are blessed
with six grandchildren.
This pair continually touches the lives of the people around them.
Jose helped to organize the Puerto Rican Parades of Paterson and
Trenton, the Hispanic American Parade of New Jersey, the Dominican
Parade of New Jersey and the Peruvian Parade of New Jersey. In
addition, he and his wife created the ``Toys Gift'' program for
children at Saint Joseph's Hospital in Paterson, Barnert Hospital in
Paterson, and the General Hospital of Passaic. As a public servant in
New Jersey, Mr. Speaker, I can say that I can think of no people who
work harder or care more about others than these two remarkable people.
Perhaps the greatest tribute to Jose and Magaly are the numerous awards
and accolades they have received.
Jose was the first Hispanic reporter to be given an honorary degree
from Essex County College in Newark, New Jersey. The Martian Women
Association of Union City proclaimed Magaly Rohaidy the Mother of the
Year. This organization is named for Jose Marti, the National Hero of
Cuba. Congress also honored her as ``the Woman of the Americas,'' and
the New Jersey State Assembly named her as one of the 13 most notable
women in the Garden State. Furthermore, Magaly was the Grand Marshal
representing the Hispanic Community at the inaugural Hispanic-Italian-
American Parade of New Jersey in Paterson. Mrs. Rohaidy is also the
recipient of the Key to the City of Paterson.
On a personal note, Mr. Speaker, as a Mayor, Assemblyman, and now as
Congressman, I have been privileged to work with numerous outstanding
individuals. Jose and Magaly Rohaidy fall into this category, as
exhibited by the many achievements and awards detailed on this page.
The best thing I can say about Jose and Magaly Rohaidy, however, is
that I am proud to call them my good friends.
Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, Jose and Magaly's
family, friends, the State of New Jersey and me in recognizing the
outstanding and invaluable service to the community of Jose and Magaly
Rohaidy.
____________________
