Ted Deutch: “Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the American Jewish community's many contributions to our Nation's society…”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the American Jewish community's many contributions to our Nation's society and culture. I would like to thank my dear friend and colleague, Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, for her outstanding dedication to preserving Jewish history and culture in America. Jewish American Heritage Month gives all Americans the opportunity to recognize Jewish Americans as leaders in every facet of America's life, from athletics, entertainment, the arts and academia, to business, government, and our Armed Forces. Florida's 19th District is home to the largest, one of the largest Jewish American populations in this country. I'm privileged to represent many first generation Americans whose parents arrived on our shores seeking a better life. Many of these Jewish Americans are members of the Greatest Generation. They stepped up to serve in World War II and rebuilt this Nation after the Great Depression. In fact, over half a million Jewish Americans fought for the United States in World War II, and 11,000 of them perished fighting for our country. For those who arrived in Europe as the Holocaust raged on, this war became very personal. As a quote from a Jewish Air Force officer reads, As a Jew, it was Hitler and me. That is the way I picture the war.”