← Autodidact Archive · Original Dissent · Jean West
Thread ID: 10872 | Posts: 2 | Started: 2003-11-01
2003-11-01 10:07 | User Profile
RECOGNIZING AND HONORING AMERICA'S JEWISH COMMUNITY ON ITS 350TH ANNIVERSARY, AND SUPPORTING THE DESIGNATION OF AMERICAN JEWISH HISTORY MONTH -- (Extensions of Remarks - October 20, 2003) [url]http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/D?r108:22:./temp/~r108FLPTk1::[/url] [Page: E2095]
SPEECH OF HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS OF FLORIDA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2003
Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H . Con . Res . 106 , a concurrent resolution that recognizes the 350th anniversary of Jewish life in the United States. The resolution encourages all Americans to celebrate September 2004 as American Jewish History Month.
I am proud to represent notable Jewish American artists, musicians, doctors, spiritual leaders, entrepreneurs, lawyers, inventors, and authors that reside in South Florida. I wish to celebrate and honor 350 years of Jewish life in America with my Jewish friends, and, through this resolution, commemorate this landmark event with the Jewish community nationwide.
Mr. Speaker, the success of the American Jewish community is testament to the basic American rights to liberty, opportunity, and inclusion. [B]These men and women of Jewish descent have substantially transformed the Nation and its communities.[/B]
American Jewish culture has played a critical role in the multi-dimensional evolution of this country. In part because of Judaism's emphasis on social justice and in part because of Jews' experience as a marginalized minority, Jews led many of the protest and social justice movements of the 1960s and 1970s. In turn, Judaism continues to respond to changes in American culture; feminism, environmentalism, and other social movements have influenced how many Jews practice their religion.
The story of Jews in America is also the story of America itself. Thus, it is only fitting that this Congress recognize the enormous contributions of the American Jewish Community to our Nation by designating an American Jewish History Month.
RECOGNIZING AND HONORING AMERICA'S JEWISH COMMUNITY ON 350TH ANNIVERSARY, SUPPORTING DESIGNATION OF AMERICAN JEWISH HISTORY MONTH -- (House of Representatives - October 15, 2003) [url]http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/D?r108:22:./temp/~r108YHjLmf::[/url] [Page: H9396]
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 theCommission'') 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.
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.
[Page: H9397]
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 asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)
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.
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.
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.
[Page: H9398]
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.
[Begin Insert]
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.
[End Insert]
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.
END
2003-11-01 17:04 | User Profile
And now a Holy God turns away from a filthy and apostate nation. American lawmakers glorifying the children of the Devil.
Such an open invitation for God's Wrath. This makes one wonder if the during the month of September, shall it be a crime to utter the name of Jesus Christ?
The Holy Ghost shall not forget those that glorify the children of the Devil.
[COLOR=Red]Jews are of their father, the Devil. The lusts of their father they will do[/COLOR]. - JC.