[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 18]
[House]
[Pages 24614-24617]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING AND HONORING AMERICA'S JEWISH COMMUNITY ON 350TH 
  ANNIVERSARY, SUPPORTING DESIGNATION OF AMERICAN JEWISH HISTORY MONTH

  Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 106) recognizing and honoring 
America's Jewish community on the occasion of its 350th anniversary, 
supporting the designation of an ``American Jewish History Month,'' and 
for other purposes.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                            H. Con. Res. 106

       Whereas in 1654, Jewish refugees from Brazil arrived on 
     North American shores and formally established North 
     America's first Jewish community in New Amsterdam, now New 
     York City;
       Whereas America welcomed Jews among the millions of 
     immigrants that streamed through our Nation's history;
       Whereas the waves of Jewish immigrants arriving in America 
     helped shape our Nation;
       Whereas the American Jewish community has been intimately 
     involved in our Nation's civic, social, economic, and 
     cultural life;
       Whereas the American Jewish community has sought to 
     actualize the broad principles of liberty and justice that 
     are enshrined in the Constitution of the United States;
       Whereas the American Jewish community is an equal 
     participant in the religious life of our Nation;
       Whereas American Jews have fought valiantly for the United 
     States in every one of our Nation's military struggles, from 
     the American Revolution to Operation Enduring Freedom;
       Whereas not less than 16 American Jews have received the 
     Medal of Honor;
       Whereas 2004 marks the 350th anniversary of the American 
     Jewish community;
       Whereas the Library of Congress, the National Archives and 
     Records Administration, the American Jewish Historical 
     Society, and the Jacob Rader Marcus Center of the American 
     Jewish Archives have formed ``The Commission for 
     Commemorating 350 Years of American Jewish History'' 
     (referred to in this resolution as the ``Commission'') to 
     mark this historic milestone;
       Whereas the Commission will use the combined resources of 
     its participants to promote the celebration of the Jewish 
     experience in the United States throughout 2004; and
       Whereas the Commission is designating September 2004 as 
     ``American Jewish History Month'': Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring), That Congress--
       (1) honors and recognizes--
       (A) the 350th anniversary of the American Jewish community; 
     and
       (B) ``The Commission for Commemorating 350 Years of 
     American Jewish History'' and its efforts to plan, 
     coordinate, and execute commemorative events celebrating 350 
     years of American Jewish history;
       (2) supports the designation of an ``American Jewish 
     History Month''; and
       (3) urges all Americans to share in this commemoration so 
     as to have a greater appreciation of the role the American 
     Jewish community has had in helping to defend and further the 
     liberties and freedom of all Americans.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Ohio (Mr. LaTourette) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Waxman) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette).


                             General Leave

  Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their 
remarks on the concurrent resolution under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Ohio?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  House Concurrent Resolution 106 recognizes and honors America's 
Jewish community on the occasion of its 350th anniversary. In 1654, 23 
Jewish immigrants from Brazil traveled across the sea and landed in 
North America at New Amsterdam, which eventually became New York City. 
Over the next few hundred years, millions more Jews from all over the 
world migrated to the United States in search of a better life. Our 
Nation is certainly a better place because they have come here. This 
resolution acknowledges the contributions of Jewish Americans to this 
great Nation, and I commend the gentleman from my home State of Ohio 
(Mr. Chabot) for introducing this concurrent resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, this legislation is a fitting way for this House to 
commemorate the influence of Jewish Americans on every aspect of life 
in our great Nation over the last 350 years. I urge all Members to 
support passage of House Concurrent Resolution 106.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. WAXMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  American Jewish history commenced in 1492 with the expulsion of Jews 
from Spain. This action set off a period of intense Jewish migration. 
Seeking to escape the clutches of the Inquisition, some Jews in the 
16th century sought refuge in the young Calvinist republic of the 
Netherlands. A century later hundreds of their descendants crossed the 
ocean to settle in the new Dutch colony of Recife in Brazil, where 
Jewish communal life became possible for the first time in the New 
World. When Portugal recaptured this colony in 1654, its Jews scattered 
to the Dutch port of New Amsterdam, now New York City.
  Colonial Jews never exceeded \1/10\ of 1 percent of the American 
population; yet they established the patterns of Jewish communal life 
that persisted for generations. Jews lived in cosmopolitan cities like 
New York where there were opportunities for commerce and trade and 
organized synagogue communities. Charleston, Philadelphia, New York, 
and Newport each had one synagogue that assumed responsibility for the 
religious and communal needs of all local Jews. Early Jewish Americans 
explored, wrote poetry, and created industries. Jews have continued to 
make important contributions to the history and culture of America. 
During 2004 and 2005, 350 years of Jewish life in America will be 
commemorated, honored, and celebrated. Jewish immigration to America 
throughout the last 350 years brought with it legions of notable 
researchers, lawyers, statesmen, inventors, artists, authors, 
musicians, doctors, entrepreneurs, spiritual leaders, and Members of 
Congress.
  This resolution honors the life, culture, and contributions of the 
6.5 million Jews who live in America and those who came before them. I 
join the sponsors in supporting this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

[[Page 24615]]


  Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to 
the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Chabot), the sponsor of the concurrent 
resolution.
  Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this 
time.
  I also want to thank the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Portman), who is 
the chief cosponsor of this concurrent resolution, and we introduced it 
on March 20 of this year, recognizing the 350th anniversary of Jewish 
communal life here in North America and encouraging all Americans to 
celebrate September, 2004, as American Jewish History Month in 
recognition of the occasion. An identical resolution was introduced in 
the other body by Senator Voinovich and Senator DeWine.
  Since 1654 when Jewish refugees from Brazil established America's 
first Jewish community in what is now New York City, millions of Jewish 
immigrants have come to America and have helped shape our American 
culture. House Concurrent Resolution 106 recognizes the many 
contributions of the American Jewish community to this great Nation's 
civic, social, economic, and cultural life. The resolution also notes 
that American Jews have fought valiantly for the United States in every 
one of our Nation's military struggles, from the American Revolution to 
Operation Enduring Freedom.
  The Library of Congress, the National Archives and Records 
Administration, the American Jewish Historical Society, and the Jacob 
Rader Marcus Center of the American Jewish Archives have formed the 
Commission for Commemorating 350 Years of American Jewish History to 
mark this historic milestone. The commission is designating September, 
2004, as American Jewish History Month. This resolution commends the 
commission for its efforts and supports the designation of an American 
Jewish History Month.
  Finally, Mr. Speaker, House Concurrent Resolution 106 urges all 
Americans to share in this commemoration so as to have a greater 
appreciation of the role of the American Jewish community in helping to 
defend and further the liberties and freedoms of all Americans.
  I want to thank the gentleman from Virginia (Chairman Tom Davis) and 
the Committee on Government Reform and the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. 
LaTourette) for bringing this resolution to the floor, and I again want 
to thank the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Portman) and the 69 cosponsors of 
this resolution.
  I urge my colleagues to support the resolution.
  Mr. WAXMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New 
Jersey (Mr. Pallone).
  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 
106, celebrating 350 years of American Jewish history. Whether they 
were born in the United States or they immigrated here from Israel, 
Europe, or Middle East countries such as Syria, as many people in my 
district in New Jersey have done, the American Jewish community is a 
melting pot of cultures and tradition. Over the last 350 years, the 
American Jewish community has given rise to many of our Nation's most 
renowned artists, authors, doctors, scientists, business leaders, and 
statesmen. Members of the American Jewish community were present at the 
birth of our Nation and have helped to transform the United States into 
what it is today through their contributions to culture, scientific 
discovery, and entrepreneurial innovation.
  In talking about the American Jewish community, we cannot forget the 
link between the community here and the community in Israel. Throughout 
my time in Congress, I have had the opportunity to travel to Israel, 
most recently this past August. There I met with leaders in the World 
Jewish community, including the chief Sephardic rabbi, Shlomo Amar. 
Each time I travel to the region, I am struck by the many ways in which 
our two nations are so intimately connected. Not just politically or 
diplomatically but the many ways in which Jewish and Israeli culture 
have influenced American culture. After returning from Israel, I held 
several town hall forums with members of my local Jewish community. 
Many of my constituents expressed the same desire for peace and 
community, as did the people I met with while in Israel.
  In closing, Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentleman from 
Ohio (Mr. Chabot) and the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Portman) for 
introducing this resolution and recognizing a community that is such a 
great part of American society and culture.
  Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from 
American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega).
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Concurrent 
Resolution 106, a resolution to recognize and honor the American Jewish 
community. And I certainly would like to express my appreciation to the 
gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Chabot) for his sponsorship of this concurrent 
resolution.
  Some 350 years ago, the first Jewish refugees arrived here in our 
country, settling in what is now known as New York City. This marked 
the beginnings of evolution of the American Jewish community, a 
community that has grown and flourished, one we all know and indeed 
should formally acknowledge, that has contributed tremendously to the 
United States.
  Mr. Speaker, history has not been kind to the Jewish people. We are 
all well aware of the atrocities they suffered during the Holocaust. 
Jews throughout the past have had their freedoms restricted, being 
forced to live separated in their own communities with limited 
geographic and limited economic opportunities. Yet despite all are the 
hardships and obstacles faced, the Jewish community in America has 
developed into a successful society.
  The success of the American Jewish community is testament to the 
value of the basic American right to freedom. In America Jews can live 
anywhere, stand up for their own rights, and have the freedom to 
determine their own destinies. Today the United States has the largest 
Jewish population and one that has contributed greatly to our country's 
civic, social, economic, and cultural life. Jewish community members 
have served in our Armed Forces, have held Nobel prizes, become members 
of the Supreme Court, Senators and Members of Congress, and have even 
served as members of the cabinet of the President. Most importantly, 
they have set an example for all Americans who believe in justice and 
equal treatment under the law. We even now have two candidates of 
Jewish ancestry who are running for the highest office of our country, 
that of the Presidency of the United States.
  Mr. Speaker, this year is the year 5763 according to the Jewish 
calendar, and we have 237 years left before the end of the world. I say 
that humorously, Mr. Speaker. Highlighting the successes of American 
Jews and educating the community about our American Jewish history will 
prove to be of great value to the United States at large.
  I stand here today to urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
  Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to 
the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Portman), the other original cosponsor of 
the legislation.
  Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Cleveland for 
managing this legislation and for his support. I also want to 
congratulate the gentleman from Cincinnati, Ohio (Mr. Chabot), my 
colleague and neighbor, for his work on this project.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today very proudly in strong support of the 
resolution recognizing and honoring the Jewish community on the 
occasion of its 350th anniversary, supporting the designation of an 
American Jewish History Month and recognizing and honoring the many 
contributions of America's Jewish community.
  The year 2004 will mark the 350th anniversary of Jewish refugees 
landing on North American shores and establishing North America's first 
Jewish community in New Amsterdam, now called New York City. Today, 
America's Jewish population stands at about 7 million people.

[[Page 24616]]

  During 2004 and 2005, these 350 years of Jewish life in America will 
be commemorated, honored, and celebrated, and so will Jewish 
immigration. After all, Jewish immigration to America throughout the 
last 350 years has brought with it legions of notable scientists, 
lawyers, statesmen, inventors, artists, authors, musicians, doctors, 
ethicists, entrepreneurs, and spiritual leaders, men and women who 
substantially transformed our great Nation and so many of our 
communities.
  I, of course, have seen firsthand in my hometown of Cincinnati the 
strong and powerful positive influence of the Jewish community and 
Cincinnati also happens to be home to a number of our country's most 
important Jewish institutions. These include the American Jewish 
Archives, which has dedicated itself to assembling an extensive 
collection of documents to chronicle American Jewish history, and the 
Hebrew Union College, Jewish Institute of Religion, established in 
1875, a pillar to the American Reform Jewish movement.
  Mr. Speaker, I am strongly in support of this resolution because I 
believe passage of it will foster awareness and will help facilitate 
understanding. I encourage all of my colleagues on both sides of the 
aisle to support it.
  Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

                              {time}  1445

  Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to gentleman from Texas 
(Mr. Bell).
  Mr. BELL. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me time.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 106, to recognize the 
American Jewish community on the occasion of its 350th anniversary and 
to support the designation of American Jewish History Month.
  No community in modern history has suffered more under tyranny and 
oppression and has been forced to fight harder throughout its history 
to secure the most basic rights we enjoy today in America, rights many 
of us sometimes take for granted in this great country of ours.
  That is, in part, why we in America can boast that we are home to the 
largest Jewish population in the world. The history of the Jewish 
people is deeply entwined with the spirit and heart of America, and 
their struggle has been ours for the past 300 years.
  I have the profound honor of representing the largest Jewish 
population in Texas in District 25. I can tell you that this is a proud 
community that loves this country and loves the freedoms that so many 
of our forefathers have died side-by-side to protect. These Americans 
are the survivors of the greatest crime humanity has ever seen, and 
they are the living legacy to what it means to sacrifice in the name of 
freedom and liberty. Their celebrated lives are living, walking proof 
of why those difficult sacrifices are worth making.
  We as a Nation would not be complete, we would not be the America we 
all know today, without the incredible contributions and sacrifices 
made by the Jewish people, both here in America and in the world 
abroad.
  The greatest lesson I think we can learn from the Jewish community is 
this: After thousands of years of persecution and torture, after 
encampment and extermination, after being spread to the four corners of 
the wind by forces that would undo almost any other community, they 
thrive today. Why?
  Well, the long and painful, but proud history of the Jewish people, 
here and abroad, should show all of us that becoming a great people is 
not about defining geographical boundaries. Rather, it is a connection 
of spirit, founded on common ideals and beliefs that creates great 
societies. For us in America and for our Jewish friends, both here and 
abroad, those ideals are freedom, liberty, and respect for our fellow 
man. These are the ties that bind all of us together, and these are the 
ties that should show our common enemies, those that would try to 
destroy all of us, that they will never, ever succeed.
  So I rise in support of this resolution, and would ask my colleagues 
to support it as well.
   Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to join my friends from Ohio (Mr. 
Chabot and Mr. Portman) in strongly supporting House Concurrent 
Resolution 106, which recognizes and honors America's Jewish community 
on the occasion of its 350th anniversary and supports the designation 
of ``American Jewish History Month.''
   Ever since Jewish refugees from Brazil landed on our shores in 1654 
and established the first Jewish community in what is now New York 
City, American Jews have made immeasurable contributions to our 
Nation's civic, social, economic and cultural life.
   And this resolution is a long overdue and explicit recognition by 
this Congress of those contributions.
   Throughout history, few people have endured greater intolerance and 
hardship.
   As Thomas Jefferson once wrote: ``I can only offer my regret . . . 
at seeing a sect [the Jews], the parent and basis of all of 
Christendom, singled out for persecution and oppression.''
   And yet, in America, the Jewish community has overcome, persevered 
and thrived--in science and medicine, in literature and the arts, in 
law and education, in business and public service, and in a host of 
other occupations and professions.
   Further, America's Jews have always answered freedom's call, 
valiantly fighting in every one of our Nation's military engagements, 
from the American Revolution to Operation Iraqi Freedom. And 16 
American Jews have been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.
   ``The Jewish Faith,'' remarked President Coolidge, ``is 
predominantly the faith of liberty.''
   And so this proud tradition of a proud member of the American family 
continues today.
   All of us are the benefactors of the American Jewish Community's 
unswerving adherence to and work on behalf of freedom, tolerance, and 
basic human rights.
   And thus, it's only fitting, Mr. Speaker, that this Congress 
recognize the enormous contributions of America's Jewish Community to 
our Nation and support the designation of ``American Jewish History 
Month.''
  Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the American Jewish 
community, I am proud to support the designation of an ``American 
Jewish History Month.'' For the last 350 years, Jews have lived and 
worked in the United States, and have contributed significantly to the 
shaping of our country. Dating back, prior to the Revolutionary War, 
Jews have been an integral part of our nation. Over the last three and 
a half centuries, there have been many famous American Jews, such as 
Louis Brandeis, the first Jewish Supreme Court Justice, and Lewis 
Charles Levin, the first Jewish Congressman. Jews have fought and died 
for our country in every war in the history of the United States. Jews 
are responsible for the creation of countless Broadway plays, Pulitzer 
prize novels and Academy Award winning films. American Jews have won 
Olympic medals, Super Bowls and have been elected to various Sports 
Halls of Fame.
  I need to look no further than my own district to be reminded that 
Jews have literally left their mark on America. The base of the Statue 
of Liberty has the poem ``The New Colossus'' inscribed on it, which was 
written by Emma Lazarus, an American Jew. American Jews have been a 
symbol of both immense religious pride, and fierce patriotism.
  American Jews are doctors and lawyers, politicians and CEO's, actors 
and athletes, veterans and volunteers. Jews are fully immersed in this 
nation's fabric and are one of the primary reasons the material of this 
country is so strong. I urge you to help celebrate 350 years of Jews in 
America and to remember that without American Jews, our country would 
not be as great as it is.
  Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I yield back 
the balance of my time.
  Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support the 
resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back 
the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Petri). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette) that the House 
suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 
106.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the concurrent resolution was 
agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

[[Page 24617]]



                          ____________________