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“THE PHILADELPHIA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA ON THE OCCASION OF ITS HISTORIC EUROPE AND ISRAEL TOUR” mentioning the U.S. Dept of State was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E753-E754 on June 1, 2018.
The State Department is responsibly for international relations with a budget of more than $50 billion. Tenure at the State Dept. is increasingly tenuous and it's seen as an extension of the President's will, ambitions and flaws.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
THE PHILADELPHIA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA ON THE OCCASION OF ITS HISTORIC
EUROPE AND ISRAEL TOUR
______
HON. DWIGHT EVANS
of pennsylvania
in the house of representatives
Friday, June 1, 2018
Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise with great honor to salute the Philadelphia Orchestra on its upcoming historic tour through Europe and Israel. I have had the privilege of working to support them over the years during my time in the Pennsylvania Legislature, and now here in Congress. I can't think of a better cultural ambassador for our country, the Commonwealth, and our great city, than the finely-tuned Philadelphia Orchestra.
With support from Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf's Department of Community and Economic Development and State Department diplomats, and more than 150 Pennsylvania musicians, non-profits, and business leaders, this historic journey starts in Brussels, Belgium, and will wind its way through Luxembourg, France, Germany, and Austria. These historic countries are iconic in their musical backgrounds, having given birth to artists such as Beethoven, Brahms, Poulenc, Wagner, and Mozart.
I take special pride in the Philadelphia Orchestra's visit to Israel, in partnership with the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. This visit not only confirms and solidifies the distinct and unique cultural, political, and humanitarian bond amongst the City of Philadelphia, the Jewish community, and the State of Israel. Israel and its people have been continually under siege for ages from the time of Judea to Samaria, and by recognizing their dignity, honor, and courage, the Orchestra's visit serves to underscore how important Israel is to the Middle East writ large, and to America. And let me add that the Philadelphia Orchestra should be noted for the diversity of its musicians and staff orchestra's diversity complements.
I would like to give special recognition to the Philadelphia Orchestra's director, Yannick Nezet-Seguin, the chairman, Richard Worley, and the leadership at the top who have helped forge ties both near and far, Philadelphia Orchestra Interim Co-Presidents Ryan Fleur and Matthew Loden. And I also wish to salute Naomi Adler, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia and Director of Government Affairs, Robin Schatz for their leadership, and special role in informing us on the unwavering dignity and humanity of Israel.
I am proud to represent a city that boasts some of the most iconic music heard around the world. I salute our well-traveled Philadelphia Orchestra and look forward to my next symphony.
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