[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 4]
[Senate]
[Page 5402]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                          JEWISH HERITAGE WEEK

  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, it is with great pleasure I rise 
today to call my colleagues' attention to Jewish Heritage Week, which 
was recognized from April 14 through 21, 2002.
  Every spring since 1976, during the season in which Jewish people 
commemorate Passover, Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Memorial Day) and Yom 
Ha'atzmaut (Israel Independence Day), a week is set aside to promote 
and encourage all Americans to learn about the history of Jewish 
Americans and to participate in activities that highlight the 
accomplishments of these citizens. It is in light of that charge I come 
to the Senate floor to highlight this important week.
  For centuries, Jews from across the globe have come to America 
seeking the ability to worship in freedom and to pursue their 
individual and hopes and dreams in peace. Throughout the many years, 
nearly every facet of American culture has been cultivated and enriched 
by the talents of Jewish people, including business, education, 
research, fine arts, and government. In fact many of their names and 
accomplishments are found in the textbooks of students across this 
country. Their contributions to our character and culture help make 
America a better place.
  We also commend our friends in Israel as they celebrated the 54th 
anniversary of the founding of the modern State of Israel. This 
milestone is a tribute to the strength and resilience of the Jewish 
spirit in the face of great adversity. At this time, it is imperative 
that freedom loving people from around the world stand with the people 
of Israel in affirming Israel's right of existence and its right to 
defend itself against those who would use terror to achieve their 
goals.
  I know my Senate colleagues will join with me and the millions of 
Americans to mark this special week to pay tribute to the countless 
people of Jewish faith and descent who have contributed so much to the 
definition of our nation and the world.

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