On Nov. 6, 2013, residents from throughout Queens and the Five Towns flocked to Margaret Tietz Nursing and Rehabilitation Center to hear Congresswoman Grace Meng share her impressions from her recent congressional trip to Israel. The Congresswoman serves New York's 6th District, one of the most diverse in the U.S. In attendance were many prominent Rabbis, Board Members, Community leaders and partners. Margaret Tietz Executive Director Yoel Lichstein opened the program with a warm welcome and was followed by Rabbi Fabian Schonfeld, Rabbi Emeritus of Young Israel Kew Gardens Hill. Rabbi Schonfeld shared the history of the Tietz Department Store in Berlin and reflected on the significance of the distinguished Tietz name, the recent marking of Kristallnacht, and our victory over the Nazis. Congresswoman Grace Meng was then introduced by Michael S. Fassler, President and CEO of CenterLight Health System. The Congresswoman mesmerized the crowd with her vivid personal reflections and accounts of visiting Yad V’shem, meeting the Israeli Prime Minister, and meeting President Shimon Peres. She portrayed her strong emotions upon seeing Israel’s close proximity to Syria and watching young Israeli children learn to hide in a fortified playground in Sderot as they live with the ongoing terror of missile attacks. She left Israel with a renewed appreciated for this tiny beleagered country and a fortified resolve to strengthen the U.S./Israel relationship. Following her speech, she opened the floor to questions and answers from her constituents.