[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 161 (Thursday, December 15, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2552]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           URGING OBSERVANCE OF AMERICAN JEWISH HISTORY MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 14, 2005

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am here today to urge 
President Bush to issue a proclamation for the observance of an 
American Jewish history month. I further urge all Americans to share in 
this commemoration to have a greater appreciation for the role the 
Jewish American community has had in helping to defend and further the 
liberties and freedom of all Americans.
  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. America welcomed Jews among the millions 
of immigrants that streamed through our Nation's gates. The waves of 
Jewish immigrants arriving in America helped shape our great Nation.
  Jewish immigration to America throughout the last 350 years brought 
with it legions of notable researchers, lawyers, statesmen, inventors, 
entertainers, artists, scientists, authors, musicians, doctors, 
ethicists, entrepreneurs and spiritual leaders--men and women who 
substantially transformed this nation and its urban communities.
  In this month of observance of American Jewish history, I think it is 
also important that we also focus on our country's relationship with 
Israel. Israel has been one of our strongest and most committed allies 
since its conception in 1948. For 50 years, the United States and 
Israel have worked closely to pursue peace in the Middle East. I 
strongly believe that the dream of peace and stability in the Middle 
East can become a reality within our lifetime.
  I ask my colleagues to support this resolution and urge President 
Bush to issue a proclamation for the observance of an American Jewish 
history month. A proclamation by the President will honor the 
contributions of American Jews throughout our nation's history, but 
also reiterate the continued importance of our taking an active role in 
the peace process in the Middle East. We have both an obligation and a 
vested interest in supporting Israel in its road to secure itself in 
peaceful, stable, and democratic region. I will leave you with a quote 
from one of the most famous Jewish American immigrants, Albert 
Einstein. He said ``He who cherishes the values of culture cannot fail 
to be a pacifist.'' Let's urge the President to reaffirm the value of 
the Jewish American Culture to the United States, and in doing so take 
one small step towards peace in the region.

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