Congressman Gregory W. Meeks Acknowledges Jewish American Heritage Month

(WASHINGTON, DC)–Congressman Gregory W. Meeks released the following statement in honor of Jewish American Heritage Month:

"The month of May is Jewish American Heritage Month. As this period of acknowledgment and celebration of more than 350 years of remarkable contributions to the founding, building, and development of the United States comes to a close, all Americans — regardless of religion, race, ethnic background, nationality or country of origin —have had a wonderful opportunity to gain a deeper appreciation of our diverse land.

Daily, Jewish Americans demonstrate that in America it is possible to preserve and practice one’s religion and culture while at the same time contributing to the ideals and identity that all Americans share. The Jewish American community's niche has proved to be irreplaceable within the larger American community. The story of Jews in America is the story of arriving from faraway lands by overcoming hardship and discrimination. Prevailing over insurmountable odds, which included but were not limited to pogroms and persecution, this group of people found sanctuary in breathing life into our nation’s political creed and by injecting ingenuity into its economy. As such, Jewish American Heritage Month is an occasion of inspiration for all Americans here on these shores, that certainly demonstrates that it is possible to not only survive but thrive in our ever-increasing diversity and unity as a country."