[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 142 (Friday, October 11, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1487]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING THE 170TH ANNIVERSARY OF B'NAI B'RITH INTERNATIONAL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. HENRY A. WAXMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 11, 2013

  Mr. WAXMAN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the 170th 
Anniversary of B'nai B'rith International. I am proud to acknowledge 
the accomplishments of the oldest existing Jewish service agency and 
celebrate their achievements.
   On October 13, 1843, twelve German Jewish immigrants convened to 
address the challenges of their growing community. Immediately, they 
established a financial support system for families of the deceased, 
open a Jewish public library, and assisted flood victims in Baltimore. 
They also began to speak out against anti-Semitism. These early 
priorities of advocacy, education, and community support can still be 
seen in B'nai B'rith's work around the world today.
   B'nai B'rith is one of Israel's strongest advocates in the United 
States and Europe. Working with policymakers in the United States, the 
European Union, and the United Nations, B'nai B'rith has championed 
Israel's right to defend itself, advanced the rights of Jewish refugees 
in the Middle East, and ensured that life insurance companies cannot 
refuse coverage due to travelling to Israel.
   B'nai B'rith has also sustained the health and well-being of the 
aged through advocating for senior services, tirelessly working for 
affordable access to medical care, and providing housing for seniors. 
In partnership with the Department of Housing and Urban Development, 
B'nai B'rith is the largest Jewish sponsor of subsidized housing in the 
United States. Residents are accepted regardless of religion, race, or 
handicap.
   Following the Jewish tradition that every life is sacred, B'nai 
B'rith assists victims of natural disasters around the world. From the 
Great Chicago Fire of 1871 to the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, B'nai 
B'rith is on the front lines helping those who need it most.
   This esteemed organization is a beacon to all who strive for a 
safer, healthier, more tolerant world. I welcome the opportunity to 
stand with B'nai B'rith International on the 170th anniversary of its 
establishment.

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