    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 117, 108th Congress, 1st Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    AMERICAN JEWISH COMMUNITY--350TH ANNIVERSARY
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    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.

    Agreed to November 21, 2003.

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    117 STAT. 2967