House Proceeding 05-07-09 on May 7th, 2009 :: 0:32:00 to 0:36:40
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0:31:44 to 0:32:05( Edit History Discussion )

Debbie Wasserman Schultz: the gentlelady from florida. she's recognized for five minutes. ms. wass you, mr. s mr. speaker, i rise to commemorate the 4th annual jewish heritage month which takes place in communities each may. it promotes awareness of the contributions that american jews have made to the fabric of

0:32:00 to 0:36:40( Edit History Discussion )
Speech By: Debbie Wasserman Schultz

0:32:06 to 0:32:26( Edit History Discussion )

Debbie Wasserman Schultz: american life from technology in literature, politics and medicine. as we are aware, the foundation of our country is built upon the strength of our unique cultures and background. while our diversity is america's strength, ignorance about the culture, traditions and accomplishments of the jewish people are still prevalent. jews make up 2% of our nation's

0:32:27 to 0:32:47( Edit History Discussion )

Debbie Wasserman Schultz: population and therefore most americans have had few interactions with jews and our traditions. i personally experienced this when i was a student in the dorms at the university of florida. while at school, a fellow student noticed my name and said, wow, you're jewish. i've seen pictures but never met

0:32:48 to 0:33:09( Edit History Discussion )

Debbie Wasserman Schultz: a real one. the limited understanding of the jewish people and our role leads to ignorance, which conibutes to stereotypes and prejudice. according to the federal bureau of investigation most recent hate scrimes statistic report, 64% crimes stem from anti-jewish prejudice.

0:33:10 to 0:33:30( Edit History Discussion )

Debbie Wasserman Schultz: due to a lack of uerstanding, some americans perceive jews as only a religion when in reality it's a tradition that dates back 4,000 years. this is why communities across the country have come together to celebrate jewish american heritage monday. they approached me to honor the

0:33:31 to 0:33:51( Edit History Discussion )

Debbie Wasserman Schultz: contribution of american jews with a designated month each ear. as the concept gained momentum, 250 colleagues have joined me urging the president to issue a proclamation for this month. senator specter led the effort and together the house and senate passed resolutions

0:33:52 to 0:34:15( Edit History Discussion )

Debbie Wasserman Schultz: supporting the creation of jewish american heritage month. in may, 2006, we celebrated this for the first time and been celebrating each may since then. the month of may introduces jewish culture to the entire country. black history month and women's history month, jewish american heritage month recognizes contributions american jews have

0:34:16 to 0:34:36( Edit History Discussion )

Debbie Wasserman Schultz: made in the united states over the last 253 years. it is my hope by providing the framework of contributions to our nation, we will be able to reduce ignorance that leads to anti-semitism. one way it counters these prejudice is providi educators the opportunity to include american jews in discussions of

0:34:37 to 0:34:58( Edit History Discussion )

Debbie Wasserman Schultz: history as well as highlighting the leadership of the members of the jewish community. for example, it might surprise many to learn it was an american jew, irving berlin wrote the lyrics to the song "god bless america." as the foundations were impacted by jews, a jewish man was one of

0:34:59 to 0:35:19( Edit History Discussion )

Debbie Wasserman Schultz: the largest financiers and rab eye prinz was on the podium before dr. king delivered his "i have a dream speech." this month has been packed with programs celebrating the contributions of american jewry to our country with speakers and

0:35:20 to 0:35:41( Edit History Discussion )

Debbie Wasserman Schultz: know vay. the united jewish communities and the historical society of gaiter washington will be hosting a reception to members of the jewish community. k street will be hosting a reception to celebrate may with members of congress, their staff and the jewish community. but that's not all. the library of congress and the national archives will be

0:35:42 to 0:36:04( Edit History Discussion )

Debbie Wasserman Schultz: hosting lectures, exhibits and discussions about jewish contributions to america. in my home state of florida, there will be a celebration of jewish contributions to the civil rights movement and the major league florida marlins baseball team will offer a game with jewish music in between innings. cincinnati will be hosting

0:36:05 to 0:36:25( Edit History Discussion )

Debbie Wasserman Schultz: lectures including lincoln's relationship with jews. and we all know how muc food. events are scheduled to occur in new york, california, texas and other states around the country. mr. speaker, we have come a long way in recent years to promote appreciation for the fabric of the united states of america. it is our responsibility to continue this education.

0:36:26 to 0:36:40( Edit History Discussion )

Debbie Wasserman Schultz: if we as a nation are to prepare our children for the challenges that lie ahead, then teaching diversity is a fundamental part of that promise. together, we can help a-this goal of understanding with the celebration of jewish american heritage month.