[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 9977]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              COMMEMORATING JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ALBIO SIRES

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 27, 2010

  Mr. SIRES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate Jewish American 
Heritage Month. This May marks the fifth Jewish American Heritage 
Month, a month that highlights the many contributions of the Jewish 
American community. In 2006, we celebrated the first Jewish American 
Heritage Month after the diligent work of Congresswoman Debbie 
Wasserman Schultz led to the passage of the Jewish American Heritage 
Month Resolution in 2005.
  While the Jewish American community contributes to our country each 
and every day, this month is a special time to recognize and teach 
about the achievements of Jewish Americans. For over 350 years, the 
Jewish Community has contributed to our rich, diverse, and shared 
culture in this country. Despite the long history of Jews in the United 
States, Judaism as a culture is not widely understood by all Americans 
and instances of anti-Jewish prejudices unfortunately do occur.
  This month, events are happening all over the Nation to celebrate 
Jewish American Heritage Month by promoting awareness of Jewish 
Americans' traditions and impacts. Jewish American Heritage Month 
provides all of us with an opportunity to learn more about the Jewish 
people and dispel misconceptions.
  Last winter, the Daniel Pearl Education Center sponsored a trip for 
70 teenagers from Middlesex County in New Jersey to visit the U.S. 
Holocaust Memorial Museum. The students, from all different 
backgrounds, had the opportunity to visit the museum and hear from a 
holocaust survivor. I also offered remarks at this event to echo the 
life and death importance of tolerance and understanding.
  The United States is a country of millions of people from countless 
distinct backgrounds. It is because of the values and freedoms inherent 
in our society, that so many diverse cultures are able to find success 
here. I am pleased to join my colleague in the House of Representatives 
tonight in honoring the many successes of Jewish Americans.

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