[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 70 (Thursday, May 7, 2009)]
[House]
[Pages H5373-H5374]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

  (Ms. GIFFORDS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Ms. GIFFORDS. I'm honored today to be here to celebrate May as 
National Jewish American Heritage Month. A little history lesson: in 
1654, 23 Jewish refugees traveled from Brazil to present-day New York 
and founded the first Jewish communal settlement in North America. It 
really wasn't until 100 years earlier that the Spanish Inquisition 
descended upon the inhabitants of New Spain, where Jews decided to flee 
to Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, and that really marked the beginning 
of a rich heritage of Jews in the Southwest.
  The Jewish community in southern Arizona today is strong and vibrant 
and we have a tremendous amount of history. During Arizona's 
territorial years, Henry Lesinsky, a Jewish immigrant from Europe, 
immigrated to southern Arizona and spearheaded the copper mining 
business in southern Arizona, and really, Bisbee of today is a legacy 
of his. Another pioneer, Isadore Solomon, a Jewish banker, founded 
Valley National Bank, which today is known as BankOne.
  This week we are also recognizing the 61st anniversary of the State 
of

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Israel. In my trips to Israel, I have had a chance to witness the 
resiliency and resolve of its citizens.
  So I'm proud, Mr. Speaker, to join with Jews of the Southwest to 
celebrate our heritage around the world, as well as to recognize 
Israel's 61st anniversary.

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