[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 81 (Wednesday, May 26, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E953]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              COMMEMORATING JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

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                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 26, 2010

  Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, I want to begin by thanking my colleague, 
Ms. Wasserman Schultz, for championing this cause tonight.
  Jewish American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate all of the 
valuable contributions that Jewish Americans have made to our culture 
and shared history. These contributions have been represented in 
achievements in public service, medicine, politics, technology, 
literature and entertainment.
  Without a firm appreciation for Jewish tradition and history we leave 
ourselves open to attitudes and behavior focused on religious bias and 
prejudice.
  American culture and history is full of the positive contributions 
that Jewish Americans have made.
  In World War II, over 500,000 Jews served in the American military--
many of them paying the ultimate price for our country's freedom and 
liberty.
  One of my boyhood heroes--the great Sandy Koufax pitcher for the LA 
Dodgers--was Jewish. His religious devotion caused him to sit out of 
game 1 of the 1965 World Series because it was on Yom Kippur. Yet he 
came back, and pitched two games in the series, leading the Dodgers to 
victory.
  We have also had many Jewish Americans serve in public office. The 
first Jewish Congressman, David Levy Yulee, was elected in 1841. Oscar 
Straus was the first Jew to serve in the President's Cabinet in 1806.
  Taking time to honor celebrations like this is important for 
Americans to reflect on our history.
  We must remember that we are a nation of immigrants. A nation of 
different ethnicities and religions. And instead of ignoring them, it 
is important to take time and honor our differences and appreciate 
them. In doing this, we build our diverse culture and strengthen our 
country's unity.
  As a Hispanic, I know what kind of challenges exist and our cultures 
share many of the same views on many important issues--issues like 
civil rights, comprehensive immigration reform, promotion of diversity.
  I am proud to be here, honoring Jewish Americans and their 
contributions that have enriched our history and culture.

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