[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 82 (Monday, May 19, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E964]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               SUPPORTING JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

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                             HON. AL GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 19, 2008

  Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, I support Jewish American 
Heritage Month during the month of May as an important opportunity to 
recognize Jewish contributions to American history and culture. Ever 
since the first Jews arrived in colonial America in 1654, Jewish 
Americans have strengthened and influenced all aspects of American 
society. Through education, science, popular culture, literature, 
government and military service, Jewish men and women have greatly 
contributed to American society. Jewish Americans and their 
contributions are celebrated and recognized throughout Jewish American 
Heritage Month.
  Jewish American Heritage Month gives the people of our Nation the 
opportunity to thank and recognize those Jewish Americans who have 
contributed to the advancement of our country, while it also presents 
us with the wonderful opportunity to foster religious tolerance. In my 
home state of Texas, from the discovery and development of oil fields 
to the opening of cattle ranches, Jewish people have had an immense 
impact. Even in the most improbable of environments, Texas Jews built 
prosperous communities. They established businesses, hospitals, 
synagogues, cemeteries and religious schools. Today Jewish Americans 
are seen as a fundamental community in the ``melting pot'' of Texas.
  Jewish Americans were also among those who worked to establish the 
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in 
1909. The Jewish community contributed greatly to the NAACP's founding 
and continued financing. Many Jewish Americans, such as NAACP co-
founder Henry Moskowitz, put forth a lifetime of work in promoting 
inter-ethnic, inter-racial and inter-religious understanding between 
Jewish and African-Americans. The civil rights activism of many Jewish 
Americans in partnership with African-American civil rights leaders 
served to make the American Dream a reality for so many Americans.
  Jewish American Heritage Month is important to fostering and 
achieving the key human right of religious tolerance. Jewish American 
Heritage Month gives us all the opportunity to honor the 
accomplishments of Jewish Americans and to realize that our Nation is a 
wonderful combination of cultures. I join all Americans in celebrating 
Jewish American Heritage Month and the many ways Jewish Americans have 
contributed to the greatness of the United States of America.

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