[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 176 (Wednesday, November 8, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2130]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     100TH ANNIVERSARY OF JEWISH WAR VETERANS OF THE UNITED STATES

                                 ______


                          HON. JERROLD NADLER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 8, 1995

  Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Jewish War 
Veterans of the United States on the occasion of their 100th 
anniversary. As the oldest continually active national association for 
veterans, the Jewish War Veterans has long served this Nation in times 
of war and in times of peace. The organization has worked actively to 
combat racism and bigotry throughout our Nation and the world, to 
uphold American ideals and free institutions, and to assist veterans of 
all races and creeds.
  From the days of Asher Levy's first establishing his rights of 
citizenship by defending the walls of New Amsterdam--present-day 
Manhattan--to the conflict in the Persian Gulf, American Jews have 
fought and died in American Armed Forces. Official records show that 
American Jews have consistently served in the Armed Forces in greater 
numbers than their percentage in the population.
  The Jewish War Veterans of the United States have sought to uphold 
this proud tradition of service to the Nation throughout their century 
of existence, fighting for veterans benefits, civil, and human rights. 
Throughout the Nation, Jewish War Veterans posts offer veterans from 
all walks of life, counseling and assistance in obtaining their 
veterans' benefits.
  When Martin Luther King, Jr., led his march on Washington in 1963, it 
was the Jewish War Veterans who were the only veterans' organization to 
demonstrate for equal rights with him. Whenever Neo-Nazi or Ku Klux 
Klan groups have surfaced, the Jewish War Veterans have been there to 
protest in body and voice, through picketing, and consultation with, 
and assistance to law enforcement officials. The Jewish War Veterans 
are also active in a wide variety of civic improvement projects, 
including volunteering at Veterans' Association Hospitals and numerous 
homeless shelters, providing college scholarships and urging our 
Nation's leaders to continue a strong commitment to those who have 
served our nation so valiantly.
  The Jewish War Veterans of the United States represents an 
outstanding tradition of patriotism and service to America. It is my 
honor to say thank you and to congratulate them on their 100th 
anniversary.

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