[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 147 (Monday, October 20, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2095]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING AND HONORING AMERICA'S JEWISH COMMUNITY ON ITS 350TH 
ANNIVERSARY, AND SUPPORTING THE DESIGNATION OF AMERICAN JEWISH HISTORY 
                                 MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 15, 2003

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. 
Con. Res. 106, a concurrent resolution that recognizes the 350th 
anniversary of Jewish life in the United States. The resolution 
encourages all Americans to celebrate September 2004 as American Jewish 
History Month.
  I am proud to represent notable Jewish American artists, musicians, 
doctors, spiritual leaders, entrepreneurs, lawyers, inventors, and 
authors that reside in South Florida. I wish to celebrate and honor 350 
years of Jewish life in America with my Jewish friends, and, through 
this resolution, commemorate this landmark event with the Jewish 
community nationwide.
  Mr. Speaker, the success of the American Jewish community is 
testament to the basic American rights to liberty, opportunity, and 
inclusion. These men and women of Jewish descent have substantially 
transformed the Nation and its communities.
  American Jewish culture has played a critical role in the multi-
dimensional evolution of this country. In part because of Judaism's 
emphasis on social justice and in part because of Jews' experience as a 
marginalized minority, Jews led many of the protest and social justice 
movements of the 1960s and 1970s. In turn, Judaism continues to respond 
to changes in American culture; feminism, environmentalism, and other 
social movements have influenced how many Jews practice their religion.
  The story of Jews in America is also the story of America itself. 
Thus, it is only fitting that this Congress recognize the enormous 
contributions of the American Jewish Community to our Nation by 
designating an American Jewish History Month.

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