Urging Observance of American Jewish History Month
URGING OBSERVANCE OF AMERICAN JEWISH HISTORY MONTH -- (House of Representatives - December 14, 2005)
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Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I want to thank the gentlewoman from Florida for yielding me time.
Madam Speaker, as a Member of the House Government Reform Committee, I am pleased to join my colleague in consideration of H. Con. Res. 315, a resolution sponsored by Representative Wasserman Schultz.
H. Con. Res. 315, introduced today, urges the President to issue a proclamation for the observance of an American Jewish History Month. The first Jewish History Month was passed by Congress and was celebrated in September 2004.
Observing American Jewish History Month allows us to commemorate the many contributions made by Jewish Americans in our society at large and in our local neighborhoods and communities. It also allows us the opportunity to better appreciate the journey many Jewish Americans have faced since they first landed at New Amsterdam, now Manhattan Island.
Like many events in Jewish history, the arrival of 23 refugees from Brazil to the United States in 1654 was the result of a fortuitous occurrence. They were blown off course rather than a preplanned migration. Since that time, there has been an organized Jewish community in our country.
Also, Madam Speaker, one could talk about the attributes and the achievements of Jewish people for the rest of the evening on an individualized basis, but I represent a community that has a large Jewish population. I am very proud of the relationships and the work that we have been able to do over the years with groups like the Jewish Council on Urban Affairs, which is headed up by a woman, Jane Ramsey, who is one of the most dedicated and committed people that I have ever met, and the Jewish Federation of Chicago, which provides resources for hospitals, for social service programs, opportunities to help those who are less fortunate.
So I commend the gentlewoman from Florida for her introduction of this legislation and urge its passage.
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