[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 65 (Tuesday, May 23, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E941-E942]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. HENRY A. WAXMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 23, 2006

  Mr. WAXMAN. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor and pleasure to rise in 
recognition of Jewish American Heritage Month, which was inaugurated 
this year to be celebrated annually during the month of May.
  Jewish American Heritage Month is a special opportunity to celebrate 
Judaism not only as a religion, but a culture that is rich in history, 
tradition, and flavor. The American Jewish Community has made 
significant contributions to our society and has helped weave the 
fabric of American life.
  In 1833, it was a Jewish immigrant, Emma Lazarus, who composed the 
poem ``The New Colossus'' as part of a fundraising campaign to erect 
the Statue of Liberty. The monument was later inscribed with her words, 
``Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to 
breathe free.'' These words have come to symbolize America's role as a 
haven for all who seek opportunities and freedom from persecution, 
including hundreds of thousands of Jewish immigrants who arrived at our 
shores.
  My own grandparents came in the early 1900s from what is now Maldova 
after escaping hardship and pogroms. They settled in a working-class 
Jewish neighborhood in Los Angeles much like other communities that 
sprang up in major cities around the country. They lived amid a tight-
knit community of kosher butchers, synagogues, and Jewish businesses, 
where Yiddish was often heard on the streets.
  Although sometimes criticized for their insularity, these ethnic 
neighborhoods epitomized the values of charity and community service, 
building a safety net long before Medicaid, Medicare and Social 
Security came into existence. In this regard, Jewish Los Angeles has an 
impressive history. The Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles (JFS), 
established in 1854, was one of the first umbrella organizations of its 
kind to support comprehensive support services like a food pantry, care 
for the elderly, and assistance for the unemployed.
  The community in Los Angeles also earned distinction for its openness 
and diversity. A special milestone being celebrated in my district this 
year is the 100th anniversary of Sinai Temple, which is the oldest 
Conservative congregation west of the Mississippi. L.A. is now home to 
the University of Judaism, Hebrew Union College, and an array of 
synagogues and schools from all streams of Jewish religious practice.
  Of course, Jewish Los Angeles is perhaps best recognized for the many 
Jewish entrepreneurs and entertainers who have taken on prominent roles 
as producers, actors, recording artists and media personalities. Jewish 
Americans also made their mark in education, science, economics, 
literature and many other arenas. More than a third of U.S. Nobel Prize 
winners in science or economics have been Jewish. There have been 18 
Jewish Recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor. While Jews in 
the United States have also suffered periods of discrimination and 
anti-Semitism, the community has persevered as a champion of civil 
rights, tolerance and religious freedom. It is often said that Jews 
living in America are freer, safer, and more prosperous than at any 
time or place in Jewish history.
  One reason it is particularly fitting that this month has been chosen 
to honor Jewish American Heritage Month is that May 5th is the 
anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel. The United States 
was the first major country to officially recognize the fledgling 
Jewish State. Our relationship has been cemented through robust 
economic ties and strong military cooperation, and an enduring 
partnership based on democratic values.
  Although Jews account for barely two percent of the population, there 
are today more Jews living in the United States than any other country 
outside of Israel. I welcome the designation of Jewish American 
Heritage Month and the opportunity for all Americans to learn about the 
contributions made by one of our nation's most vocal and vibrant 
minorities.

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