The Order of Balboa, the highest decoration awarded by the Republic of Panama, was conferred on Rabbi Nathan Witkin in a surprise ceremony here during a testimonial to his 25 years of service in the Caribbean area. Rabbi Witkin is USO area director and director of the National Jewish Welfare Board’s Panama Servicemen’s Club.
The citation accompanying the award paid tribute to Rabbi Witkin’s “silent but most effective work which has gained for him the appreciation of all who come for spiritual guidance or any other kind of aid” as “an example for the whole community.” The citation notes that in addition to Rabbi Witkin’s work throughout the Caribbean on behalf of the Armed Forces “his social welfare activities benefit both the Panama and Canal Zone” civilian communities.
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
