Judge Reibman Naturalizes 40 New Citizens in Lehigh County

From Citizen Activist and fellow Hall of Famer Dennis Pearson: Last week, I attended a naturalization ceremony presided over by Judge of Common Pleas Edward Reibman. He was delighted to preside over a ceremony that once included his grandparents from Russia. Forty people from various countries became new citizens of the United States.

These new citizens include a 100 year old Venezuelan, originally from Spain. His more youthful wife of 74 joined him. This individual had fought for the Republicans in the Spanish Civil War, against Fascist General Francisco Franco .

The Nationalists prevailed, and Franco ruled Spain for the next 36 years, from 1939 until his death in 1975. The war was often called the dress rehearsal for World War II.

Judge Reibman asked this elderly candidate for citizenship, his wife and a 25 year old Syrian to lead the class and the audience in saying the pledge of allegiance.

Reibman said that in becoming citizens they have all the rights of citizenship including the right to vote and run for office. But Reibman asked this new class of citizens not to run for Judge of the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas until he retires as he likes his job