Please note that the posts on The Blogs are contributed by third parties. The opinions, facts and any media content in them are presented solely by the authors, and neither The Times of Israel nor its partners assume any responsibility for them. Please contact us in case of abuse. In case of abuse, Personal Photo. On a clear, warm day in December 2019, Congressman Alcee Hastings stood tall and elegant at one end of our living room. With a breathtaking display of courage and intellect, he shared candid stories about his childhood in Altamonte Springs, Florida, his battle with pancreatic cancer and his support for Jewish causes and Israel. These poignant vignettes revealed a unique man possessing an iron will and who lived a life very well. Mesmerized, the audience of over seventy friends and colleagues listened carefully to our good friend. And when he finished, we gave him a standing ovation showing our deepest respect and heartfelt appreciation.