Velázquez on Jewish American Heritage Month

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) issued the following statement in honor of Jewish American Heritage Month:

"This Jewish American Heritage Month is a time to come together and honor the remarkable ways the Jewish people have shaped the success of our nation. Whether by settling in small towns, or major cities like New York, Jewish Americans make up a flourishing part of communities across the country.

"New York City has a proud history of being home to one of the most vibrant Jewish communities in America. In their path to New York City, many Jewish immigrants persevered after fleeing oppression abroad. From Williamsburg in Brooklyn to the Lower East Side of Manhattan, such neighborhoods served as settling points for Jewish immigrants to build new lives in our city.

"Sadly, this year, as we observe Jewish American Heritage Month, we have witnessed a frightening rise in anti-Semitic hate crimes in New York City. We all must voice our collective outrage against these atrocious acts. As a city and a nation, our diversity is our strength.

"This May, I hope all New Yorkers take the time to honor the thriving Jewish presence throughout our country. I am proud to represent such diverse and prosperous communities in New York City."

# # #