Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding, and for both gentlemen's remarks. Mr. Speaker, 17 years ago, the first legislation I passed as a Member of Congress declared the month of May as Jewish American Heritage Month, or JAHM, and urged the President of the United States to make that declaration on behalf of the United States. Since that resolution passed, every President has issued a proclamation declaring May as Jewish American Heritage Month. The mission of JAHM is to educate all Americans about the contributions American Jews have made to our Nation for more than 350 years. Jews have blazed American trails, from the battlefield and basketball court, across the biggest stages, to the big screen, and from the Supreme Court, to civil rights and social justice movements. Our story is woven into America's history, through generations of leaders. Yet, as we who honor the profound impact American Jews made on our national history and culture, I must sadly acknowledge that the recognition and understanding JAHM seeks to foster is critically needed now more than ever. There has been a precipitous rise in anti-Semitism. In the last year alone, the Anti-Defamation League reports that anti-Semitic incidents are up 34 percent nationwide. The American Jewish Committee reports that 24 percent of American Jews were personally targeted by anti-Semitism in the past 12 months. Four in 10 American Jews changed their behavior at least once out of fear of anti-Semitism.…”