[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 144 (Wednesday, October 15, 2003)]
[House]
[Pages H9396-H9398]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING AND HONORING AMERICA'S JEWISH COMMUNITY ON 350TH
ANNIVERSARY, SUPPORTING DESIGNATION OF AMERICAN JEWISH HISTORY MONTH
Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to
the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 106) recognizing and honoring
America's Jewish community on the occasion of its 350th anniversary,
supporting the designation of an ``American Jewish History Month,'' and
for other purposes.
The Clerk read as follows:
H. Con. Res. 106
Whereas in 1654, Jewish refugees from Brazil arrived on
North American shores and formally established North
America's first Jewish community in New Amsterdam, now New
York City;
Whereas America welcomed Jews among the millions of
immigrants that streamed through our Nation's history;
Whereas the waves of Jewish immigrants arriving in America
helped shape our Nation;
Whereas the American Jewish community has been intimately
involved in our Nation's civic, social, economic, and
cultural life;
Whereas the American Jewish community has sought to
actualize the broad principles of liberty and justice that
are enshrined in the Constitution of the United States;
Whereas the American Jewish community is an equal
participant in the religious life of our Nation;
Whereas American Jews have fought valiantly for the United
States in every one of our Nation's military struggles, from
the American Revolution to Operation Enduring Freedom;
Whereas not less than 16 American Jews have received the
Medal of Honor;
Whereas 2004 marks the 350th anniversary of the American
Jewish community;
Whereas the Library of Congress, the National Archives and
Records Administration, the American Jewish Historical
Society, and the Jacob Rader Marcus Center of the American
Jewish Archives have formed ``The Commission for
Commemorating 350 Years of American Jewish History''
(referred to in this resolution as the ``Commission'') to
mark this historic milestone;
Whereas the Commission will use the combined resources of
its participants to promote the celebration of the Jewish
experience in the United States throughout 2004; and
Whereas the Commission is designating September 2004 as
``American Jewish History Month'': Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate
concurring), That Congress--
(1) honors and recognizes--
(A) the 350th anniversary of the American Jewish community;
and
(B) ``The Commission for Commemorating 350 Years of
American Jewish History'' and its efforts to plan,
coordinate, and execute commemorative events celebrating 350
years of American Jewish history;
(2) supports the designation of an ``American Jewish
History Month''; and
(3) urges all Americans to share in this commemoration so
as to have a greater appreciation of the role the American
Jewish community has had in helping to defend and further the
liberties and freedom of all Americans.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Ohio (Mr. LaTourette) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Waxman)
each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette).
General Leave
Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members
may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their
remarks on the concurrent resolution under consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Ohio?
There was no objection.
Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
House Concurrent Resolution 106 recognizes and honors America's
Jewish community on the occasion of its 350th anniversary. In 1654, 23
Jewish immigrants from Brazil traveled across the sea and landed in
North America at New Amsterdam, which eventually became New York City.
Over the next few hundred years, millions more Jews from all over the
world migrated to the United States in search of a better life. Our
Nation is certainly a better place because they have come here. This
resolution acknowledges the contributions of Jewish Americans to this
great Nation, and I commend the gentleman from my home State of Ohio
(Mr. Chabot) for introducing this concurrent resolution.
Mr. Speaker, this legislation is a fitting way for this House to
commemorate the influence of Jewish Americans on every aspect of life
in our great Nation over the last 350 years. I urge all Members to
support passage of House Concurrent Resolution 106.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. WAXMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
American Jewish history commenced in 1492 with the expulsion of Jews
from Spain. This action set off a period of intense Jewish migration.
Seeking to escape the clutches of the Inquisition, some Jews in the
16th century sought refuge in the young Calvinist republic of the
Netherlands. A century later hundreds of their descendants crossed the
ocean to settle in the new Dutch colony of Recife in Brazil, where
Jewish communal life became possible for the first time in the New
World. When Portugal recaptured this colony in 1654, its Jews scattered
to the Dutch port of New Amsterdam, now New York City.
Colonial Jews never exceeded \1/10\ of 1 percent of the American
population; yet they established the patterns of Jewish communal life
that persisted for generations. Jews lived in cosmopolitan cities like
New York where there were opportunities for commerce and trade and
organized synagogue communities. Charleston, Philadelphia, New York,
and Newport each had one synagogue that assumed responsibility for the
religious and communal needs of all local Jews. Early Jewish Americans
explored, wrote poetry, and created industries. Jews have continued to
make important contributions to the history and culture of America.
During 2004 and 2005, 350 years of Jewish life in America will be
commemorated, honored, and celebrated. Jewish immigration to America
throughout the last 350 years brought with it legions of notable
researchers, lawyers, statesmen, inventors, artists, authors,
musicians, doctors, entrepreneurs, spiritual leaders, and Members of
Congress.
This resolution honors the life, culture, and contributions of the
6.5 million Jews who live in America and those who came before them. I
join the sponsors in supporting this resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to
the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Chabot), the sponsor of the concurrent
resolution.
Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this
time.
I also want to thank the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Portman), who is
the chief cosponsor of this concurrent resolution, and we introduced it
on March 20 of this year, recognizing the 350th anniversary of Jewish
communal life here in North America and encouraging all Americans to
celebrate September, 2004, as American Jewish History Month in
recognition of the occasion. An identical resolution was introduced in
the other body by Senator Voinovich and Senator DeWine.
Since 1654 when Jewish refugees from Brazil established America's
first Jewish community in what is now New York City, millions of Jewish
immigrants have come to America and have helped shape our American
culture. House Concurrent Resolution 106 recognizes the many
contributions of the American Jewish community to this great Nation's
civic, social, economic, and cultural life. The resolution also notes
that American Jews have fought valiantly for the United States in every
one of our Nation's military struggles, from the American Revolution to
Operation Enduring Freedom.
[[Page H9397]]
The Library of Congress, the National Archives and Records
Administration, the American Jewish Historical Society, and the Jacob
Rader Marcus Center of the American Jewish Archives have formed the
Commission for Commemorating 350 Years of American Jewish History to
mark this historic milestone. The commission is designating September,
2004, as American Jewish History Month. This resolution commends the
commission for its efforts and supports the designation of an American
Jewish History Month.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, House Concurrent Resolution 106 urges all
Americans to share in this commemoration so as to have a greater
appreciation of the role of the American Jewish community in helping to
defend and further the liberties and freedoms of all Americans.
I want to thank the gentleman from Virginia (Chairman Tom Davis) and
the Committee on Government Reform and the gentleman from Ohio (Mr.
LaTourette) for bringing this resolution to the floor, and I again want
to thank the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Portman) and the 69 cosponsors of
this resolution.
I urge my colleagues to support the resolution.
Mr. WAXMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New
Jersey (Mr. Pallone).
Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res.
106, celebrating 350 years of American Jewish history. Whether they
were born in the United States or they immigrated here from Israel,
Europe, or Middle East countries such as Syria, as many people in my
district in New Jersey have done, the American Jewish community is a
melting pot of cultures and tradition. Over the last 350 years, the
American Jewish community has given rise to many of our Nation's most
renowned artists, authors, doctors, scientists, business leaders, and
statesmen. Members of the American Jewish community were present at the
birth of our Nation and have helped to transform the United States into
what it is today through their contributions to culture, scientific
discovery, and entrepreneurial innovation.
In talking about the American Jewish community, we cannot forget the
link between the community here and the community in Israel. Throughout
my time in Congress, I have had the opportunity to travel to Israel,
most recently this past August. There I met with leaders in the World
Jewish community, including the chief Sephardic rabbi, Shlomo Amar.
Each time I travel to the region, I am struck by the many ways in which
our two nations are so intimately connected. Not just politically or
diplomatically but the many ways in which Jewish and Israeli culture
have influenced American culture. After returning from Israel, I held
several town hall forums with members of my local Jewish community.
Many of my constituents expressed the same desire for peace and
community, as did the people I met with while in Israel.
In closing, Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentleman from
Ohio (Mr. Chabot) and the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Portman) for
introducing this resolution and recognizing a community that is such a
great part of American society and culture.
Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from
American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega).
(Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA asked and was given permission to revise and extend
his remarks.)
Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Concurrent
Resolution 106, a resolution to recognize and honor the American Jewish
community. And I certainly would like to express my appreciation to the
gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Chabot) for his sponsorship of this concurrent
resolution.
Some 350 years ago, the first Jewish refugees arrived here in our
country, settling in what is now known as New York City. This marked
the beginnings of evolution of the American Jewish community, a
community that has grown and flourished, one we all know and indeed
should formally acknowledge, that has contributed tremendously to the
United States.
Mr. Speaker, history has not been kind to the Jewish people. We are
all well aware of the atrocities they suffered during the Holocaust.
Jews throughout the past have had their freedoms restricted, being
forced to live separated in their own communities with limited
geographic and limited economic opportunities. Yet despite all are the
hardships and obstacles faced, the Jewish community in America has
developed into a successful society.
The success of the American Jewish community is testament to the
value of the basic American right to freedom. In America Jews can live
anywhere, stand up for their own rights, and have the freedom to
determine their own destinies. Today the United States has the largest
Jewish population and one that has contributed greatly to our country's
civic, social, economic, and cultural life. Jewish community members
have served in our Armed Forces, have held Nobel prizes, become members
of the Supreme Court, Senators and Members of Congress, and have even
served as members of the cabinet of the President. Most importantly,
they have set an example for all Americans who believe in justice and
equal treatment under the law. We even now have two candidates of
Jewish ancestry who are running for the highest office of our country,
that of the Presidency of the United States.
Mr. Speaker, this year is the year 5763 according to the Jewish
calendar, and we have 237 years left before the end of the world. I say
that humorously, Mr. Speaker. Highlighting the successes of American
Jews and educating the community about our American Jewish history will
prove to be of great value to the United States at large.
I stand here today to urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to
the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Portman), the other original cosponsor of
the legislation.
Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Cleveland for
managing this legislation and for his support. I also want to
congratulate the gentleman from Cincinnati, Ohio (Mr. Chabot), my
colleague and neighbor, for his work on this project.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today very proudly in strong support of the
resolution recognizing and honoring the Jewish community on the
occasion of its 350th anniversary, supporting the designation of an
American Jewish History Month and recognizing and honoring the many
contributions of America's Jewish community.
The year 2004 will mark the 350th anniversary of Jewish refugees
landing on North American shores and establishing North America's first
Jewish community in New Amsterdam, now called New York City. Today,
America's Jewish population stands at about 7 million people.
During 2004 and 2005, these 350 years of Jewish life in America will
be commemorated, honored, and celebrated, and so will Jewish
immigration. After all, Jewish immigration to America throughout the
last 350 years has brought with it legions of notable scientists,
lawyers, statesmen, inventors, artists, authors, musicians, doctors,
ethicists, entrepreneurs, and spiritual leaders, men and women who
substantially transformed our great Nation and so many of our
communities.
I, of course, have seen firsthand in my hometown of Cincinnati the
strong and powerful positive influence of the Jewish community and
Cincinnati also happens to be home to a number of our country's most
important Jewish institutions. These include the American Jewish
Archives, which has dedicated itself to assembling an extensive
collection of documents to chronicle American Jewish history, and the
Hebrew Union College, Jewish Institute of Religion, established in
1875, a pillar to the American Reform Jewish movement.
Mr. Speaker, I am strongly in support of this resolution because I
believe passage of it will foster awareness and will help facilitate
understanding. I encourage all of my colleagues on both sides of the
aisle to support it.
Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
{time} 1445
Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to gentleman from Texas
(Mr. Bell).
Mr. BELL. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me time.
[[Page H9398]]
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 106, to recognize the
American Jewish community on the occasion of its 350th anniversary and
to support the designation of American Jewish History Month.
No community in modern history has suffered more under tyranny and
oppression and has been forced to fight harder throughout its history
to secure the most basic rights we enjoy today in America, rights many
of us sometimes take for granted in this great country of ours.
That is, in part, why we in America can boast that we are home to the
largest Jewish population in the world. The history of the Jewish
people is deeply entwined with the spirit and heart of America, and
their struggle has been ours for the past 300 years.
I have the profound honor of representing the largest Jewish
population in Texas in District 25. I can tell you that this is a proud
community that loves this country and loves the freedoms that so many
of our forefathers have died side-by-side to protect. These Americans
are the survivors of the greatest crime humanity has ever seen, and
they are the living legacy to what it means to sacrifice in the name of
freedom and liberty. Their celebrated lives are living, walking proof
of why those difficult sacrifices are worth making.
We as a Nation would not be complete, we would not be the America we
all know today, without the incredible contributions and sacrifices
made by the Jewish people, both here in America and in the world
abroad.
The greatest lesson I think we can learn from the Jewish community is
this: After thousands of years of persecution and torture, after
encampment and extermination, after being spread to the four corners of
the wind by forces that would undo almost any other community, they
thrive today. Why?
Well, the long and painful, but proud history of the Jewish people,
here and abroad, should show all of us that becoming a great people is
not about defining geographical boundaries. Rather, it is a connection
of spirit, founded on common ideals and beliefs that creates great
societies. For us in America and for our Jewish friends, both here and
abroad, those ideals are freedom, liberty, and respect for our fellow
man. These are the ties that bind all of us together, and these are the
ties that should show our common enemies, those that would try to
destroy all of us, that they will never, ever succeed.
So I rise in support of this resolution, and would ask my colleagues
to support it as well.
Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to join my friends from Ohio (Mr.
Chabot and Mr. Portman) in strongly supporting House Concurrent
Resolution 106, which recognizes and honors America's Jewish community
on the occasion of its 350th anniversary and supports the designation
of ``American Jewish History Month.''
Ever since Jewish refugees from Brazil landed on our shores in 1654
and established the first Jewish community in what is now New York
City, American Jews have made immeasurable contributions to our
Nation's civic, social, economic and cultural life.
And this resolution is a long overdue and explicit recognition by
this Congress of those contributions.
Throughout history, few people have endured greater intolerance and
hardship.
As Thomas Jefferson once wrote: ``I can only offer my regret . . .
at seeing a sect [the Jews], the parent and basis of all of
Christendom, singled out for persecution and oppression.''
And yet, in America, the Jewish community has overcome, persevered
and thrived--in science and medicine, in literature and the arts, in
law and education, in business and public service, and in a host of
other occupations and professions.
Further, America's Jews have always answered freedom's call,
valiantly fighting in every one of our Nation's military engagements,
from the American Revolution to Operation Iraqi Freedom. And 16
American Jews have been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.
``The Jewish Faith,'' remarked President Coolidge, ``is
predominantly the faith of liberty.''
And so this proud tradition of a proud member of the American family
continues today.
All of us are the benefactors of the American Jewish Community's
unswerving adherence to and work on behalf of freedom, tolerance, and
basic human rights.
And thus, it's only fitting, Mr. Speaker, that this Congress
recognize the enormous contributions of America's Jewish Community to
our Nation and support the designation of ``American Jewish History
Month.''
Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the American Jewish
community, I am proud to support the designation of an ``American
Jewish History Month''. For the last 350 years, Jews have lived and
worked in the United States, and have contributed significantly to the
shaping of our country. Dating back, prior to the Revolutionary War,
Jews have been an integral part of our nation. Over the last three and
a half centuries, there have been many famous American Jews, such as
Louis Brandeis, the first Jewish Supreme Court Justice, and Lewis
Charles Levin, the first Jewish Congressman. Jews have fought and died
for our country in every war in the history of the United States. Jews
are responsible for the creation of countless Broadway plays, Pulitzer
prize novels and Academy Award winning films. American Jews have won
Olympic medals, Super Bowls and have been elected to various Sports
Halls of Fame.
I need to look no further than my own district to be reminded that
Jews have literally left their mark on America. The base of the Statue
of Liberty has the poem ``The New Colossus'' inscribed on it, which was
written by Emma Lazarus, an American Jew. American Jews have been a
symbol of both immense religious pride, and fierce patriotism.
American Jews are doctors and lawyers, politicians and CEO's, actors
and athletes, veterans and volunteers. Jews are fully immersed in this
nation's fabric and are one of the primary reasons the material of this
country is so strong. I urge you to help celebrate 350 years of Jews in
America and to remember that without American Jews, our country would
not be as great as it is.
Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I yield back
the balance of my time.
Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support the
resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back
the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Petri). The question is on the motion
offered by the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette) that the House
suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res.
106.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor
thereof) the rules were suspended and the concurrent resolution was
agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
____________________