[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 90 (Wednesday, June 22, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1164]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE 450TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LATVIAN JEWISH COMMUNITY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GARY L. ACKERMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 22, 2011

  Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration and 
recognition of the 450th Anniversary of the Latvian Jewish community. 
Since the late 1500s, the Jewish people of Latvia have demonstrated 
incredible perseverance and courage through inconceivable trials and 
persecutions. As we reflect on this milestone anniversary, let us 
remember their history and celebrate their future.
  The first Jewish settlements in Latvia appeared in the late 16th 
century. Through steady immigration, expansion, and steadfast 
resilience, the community grew and spread across the country. As the 
Jewish population expanded, they contributed immeasurably to the 
economic, industrial, and cultural development of Latvia. These 
accomplishments came despite frequently being forced to cope with anti-
Semitic laws and cultural prejudice. By the late 1930s, approximately 
93,000 Latvian Jews were living and prospering in the country.
  In the summer of 1941, Nazi troops occupied Latvia. Within days of 
the occupation, the Nazis issued special decrees restricting Jewish 
rights and establishing ghettos. Jews from surrounding countries were 
forcibly transported to Latvian camps. Tens of thousands were murdered.
  By the conclusion of World War II, tragically, only 14,000 Latvian 
Jews remained. In the years after, Jews from surrounding regions 
relocated in Latvia--rebuilding their community to more than 36,000 
people. In the aftermath of the greatest evil ever perpetrated against 
a people, the Latvian Jews marched on--restoring their culture and 
society, fighting against the oppression of Soviet rule. Latvia became 
one of the centers of Zionist dissidence and Jewish national movements 
in the Soviet Union. Jewish activists struggled for the right to 
immigrate to Israel and to openly honor the memory of Holocaust 
victims. Thousands emigrated to Israel, the United States and Western 
Europe.
  Today, the Latvian Jewish community of 13,000 is experiencing a 
rebirth. On this, their 450th anniversary, the Jews of Latvia can look 
back on their history with a solemn pride. Having suffered through 
terrible hardship, the Latvian Jewry is rebuilding its religious and 
social life--revitalizing the community's enduring spirit.
  I would like to extend special recognition to the Latvian Council of 
Jewish Communities and the United States Commission for the 
Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad for organizing the extremely 
successful memorial project at Riga, Latvia's oldest Jewish cemetery. 
Under the leadership and guidance of Chairman Warren Miller and 
Commissioner Lee Seeman, the memorial at the Old Jewish Cemetery 
reminds the world of the tragedy of the Jews killed during World War II 
and asks us to strive for a better future. I am proud to celebrate the 
Latvian Jewish community's historic anniversary. I ask all my 
colleagues to join me in recognizing their past perseverance and 
achievements, and in extending our sincere best wishes for their future 
success and prosperity.

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