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




                     JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Wasserman Schultz) is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the fourth 
annual Jewish American Heritage Month, which takes place in communities 
across the country each May.
  Jewish American Heritage Month promotes awareness of the 
contributions American Jews have made to the fabric of American life, 
from technology and literature to entertainment, politics, and 
medicine.
  As we are all well aware, the foundation of our country is built upon 
the strengths of our unique cultures and backgrounds. Yet, while our 
diversity is America's strength, ignorance and intolerance about the 
culture, traditions, and accomplishments of the Jewish people are still 
prevalent. Jews make up only 2 percent of our Nation's population, and, 
therefore, most Americans have had few interactions with Jews and our 
traditions.
  I personally experienced this lack of knowledge when I was a student 
in the dorms at the University of Florida. While at school, a fellow 
student noticed my name and said, ``Wow, you're Jewish? I've seen 
pictures, but I've never met a real one.''
  Now, this girl did not mean any harm, but the limited understanding 
of the Jewish people and our historical role in the Nation's 
development leads to ignorance, which contributes to stereotypes and 
prejudices.
  According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation's most recent Hate 
Crimes Statistics report, 68.4 percent of criminal incidents motivated 
by religious bias stemmed from anti-Jewish prejudice. Additionally, due 
to a lack of understanding, some Americans perceive Judaism as only a 
religion, when, in reality, Judaism is a religion, a rich tradition, 
and a culture that dates back 4,000 years. Mr. Speaker, this is why 
communities across the country have come together to celebrate Jewish 
American Heritage Month.
  A few years ago, the Jewish community in South Florida approached me 
with the idea to honor the contributions of American Jews with a 
designated month each year. As the concept gained momentum, 250 of my 
colleagues joined me as original cosponsors of a resolution urging the 
President to issue a proclamation for this month. Senator Arlen Specter 
led the effort in the Senate, and together the House and Senate 
unanimously passed a resolution supporting the creation of Jewish 
American Heritage Month. In May of 2006, we celebrated this important 
occasion for the first time and have been celebrating each May since 
then.
  Now, the month of May introduces Jewish culture to the entire country 
and dispels harmful prejudices. Like Black History Month and Women's 
History Month, Jewish American Heritage Month recognizes the abundance 
of contributions American Jews have made to the United States over the 
last 353 years. It is my hope that by providing the framework for the 
discussion of Jewish culture and contributions to our Nation, we will 
be able to reduce the ignorance that ultimately leads to anti-Semitism.
  One way Jewish American Heritage Month counters these prejudices is 
by providing educators the opportunity to include American Jews in 
discussions of history, as well as highlighting the leadership of 
members of the Jewish community in significant historical events.
  For example, it might surprise many to learn that it was an American 
Jew, Irving Berlin, who wrote the lyrics to the song, ``God Bless 
America.'' Even the very foundations of our country were impacted by 
Jews. Haym Salomon, a Jewish man, was one of the largest financiers of 
the American Revolution War. And Rabbi Joachim Prinz was a passionate 
civil rights activist, appearing on the podium just moments before Dr. 
Martin Luther King delivered his ``I Have a Dream'' speech. And the 
list goes on.
  This year's Jewish American Heritage Month has been packed with 
programs celebrating the contributions of American Jewry to our 
countries with movies, cultural exhibitions, speakers, and innovative 
educational curricula. Right here in Washington, the United Jewish 
Communities and the Jewish Historical Society of Greater Washington 
will be hosting a reception for Members of Congress and members of the 
Jewish community. J Street will also be hosting a reception to 
celebrate May as Jewish American Heritage Month with Members of 
Congress, their staff, and the Jewish community.
  But that is not all. The Library of Congress and the National 
Archives and Records Administration will be hosting lectures, exhibits, 
and discussions about Jewish contributions to America. In my home State 
of Florida, there will be a celebration of Jewish contributions to the 
civil rights movement, and the major league Florida Marlins baseball 
team will host a Jewish Heritage game, with kosher food and Jewish 
music in between innings. Cincinnati will be hosting lectures, 
including one on President Lincoln's solid relationship with American 
Jews. And Wyoming will host a festival celebrating Jewish food, and we 
all know how much we love food! Events are also scheduled to occur in 
New York, California, Texas, and other States around the country.
  Mr. Speaker, we have come a long way in recent years to promote 
appreciation for the multicultural fabric of the United States of 
America. It is our responsibility to continue this education.
  If we, as a Nation, are to prepare our children for the challenges 
that lie ahead, then teaching diversity is a fundamental part of that 
promise. Together, we can help achieve this goal of understanding with 
the celebration of Jewish American Heritage Month.
  I thank my colleagues for their support, and call on all Americans to 
observe this special month by celebrating the many contributions of 
Jewish culture throughout our Nation's history.

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