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NEW YORK - Congressman Rangel released the following statement in honor of Jewish American Heritage Month:
This May, Americans pause to honor the contributions of Jewish-Americans as our nation celebrates Jewish American Heritage Month for the first time in our history.
Even though Jewish-Americans account for less than 2% of the U.S. population, their role in shaping our country's landscape has been very significant. They have been influential in the cultural, political, and economic spheres.
Through their appreciation for history and religious convictions, American culture has been greatly influenced by the contributions of Jewish-Americans. From food to the arts, Jewish-Americans have given us some of our favorite dishes, music, plays, movies and literature.
Jewish-Americans have also entered the public sector and have given back to our great nation, serving honorably and patriotically. There are 37 Jewish Members in the 109th Congress – 11 in the Senate and 26 in the House of Representatives. These outstanding public servants have contributed to the national dialogue on domestic as well as foreign policy issues.
Many Jewish-Americans sought refuge from persecution in America, settling as immigrants in poor neighborhoods of our large cities, including New York. Embracing the idea of the American Dream they helped build our cities as small merchants and shopkeepers, and later, in larger spheres of business. Their commitment to hard work and scholarship have contributed to the nation's economic strength and academic excellence.
Most importantly, Jewish Americans have made great contributions to the American values of justice, fairness and freedom. Victims of intolerance throughout history, Jewish Americans were staunch allies and supporters of African-Americans during the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. Their leaders continue to speak today on behalf of the disadvantaged, the poor and the aged. They have reached out as well in defense of those being persecuted in foreign lands, including the hundreds of thousands of victims of genocide in the Sudan.
I salute Jewish-Americans throughout our nation for their great contributions, activism and advocacy and I am heartened to learn that President Bush has indicated that he will continue to mark May as Jewish American Heritage month for the duration of his presidency.
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