[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 198 (Friday, November 20, 2020)]
[House]
[Pages H6008-H6009]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING JACKSON HEIGHTS JEWISH CENTER CENTENNIAL

  (Ms. OCASIO-CORTEZ asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. OCASIO-CORTEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
centennial anniversary of the Jewish Center of Jackson Heights by 
sharing some of their rich history in New York's 14th Congressional 
District.
  The center was founded as the Queens Independent Society in 1920 when 
a few Jewish families looked for a safe space to congregate in Jackson

[[Page H6009]]

Heights. The center was first called the Queens Independent Society 
because the term ``Jewish'' was not permitted at the time.
  The original building itself was based in Woodside, an adjacent 
neighborhood to Jackson Heights, because at the time Jews were not 
welcome in the neighborhood of Jackson Heights. However, in 1928, the 
center was able to rename itself the Jewish Center of Jackson Heights, 
and in the 1950s, they officially moved their brick and mortar into the 
neighborhood where they are housed today.
  Today, the center is known in the community as an inclusive and 
accepting space, hosting a number of diverse community events 
throughout the year, as well as housing our beloved Queens Center for 
Gay Seniors.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Jewish 
Center of Jackson Heights.
  Thank you for your ongoing service to our community.

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