CONGRESSMAN RANGEL CELEBRATES "UNBREAKABLE TIES" DURING JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

NEW YORK - Congressman Charles Rangel today marked Jewish American Heritage Month by recognizing the countless contributions made by Jewish Americans in the 15th Congressional District, New York City and the entire nation.

"I am proud to have institutions like The Jewish Theological Seminary and Yeshiva University in my Congressional District, as well almost thirty active synagogues of all denominations," said Congressman Charles Rangel.  "We have a very socially and philanthropically active Jewish constituency in Upper Manhattan with a strong Jewish base of support for so many progressive issues like immigration reform, access to health care, access to affordable housing, social services and peace movements, to name just a few."

Over the years, Congressman Rangel has worked closely with New York based institutional organizations like the Jewish Community Relations Council, Met Council of Jewish Poverty and the American Jewish Committee on a variety of issues, as well as being involved in successful past efforts to relocate Jews from the former Soviet Union and Ethiopia. 

Congressman Rangel, too, recalled the contributions by the Jewish community in support of the civil rights movement in the American South.  "Everyone who ever marched in a protest or rode a bus into the South with the Freedom Riders remembers the contributions of the Jewish community," Congressman Rangel said. 

"That support went beyond the rhetorical, political and financial--which was certainly part of it.  But, most of all, it was the way we endured together the shouts and threats of bigots, and provided comfort to each others' families when a protester or a Freedom Rider--Jewish or Black--was injured or even killed.  These ties are both unbreakable and unforgettable," Congressman Rangel said.

There have been contributions on the international level as well.  Jewish leaders have not only condemned the genocide of Blacks in the Sudan and were the first to raise the issue, but were instrumental in saving countless Haitian lives.  "When the recent earthquake struck Haiti, Israeli doctors as well as search and rescue teams were among the first to arrive," Congressman Rangel said.  "In the 1990's when Haitian boat people were fleeing political persecution, Jewish organizations and community leaders stood with us in demanding that our doors be opened to the refugees," the Congressman said.

"Jewish American leaders of non-profit organizations and other secular institutions have provided examples of innovation in caring for the less fortunate among us, truly demonstrating the spirit of tikkun olam, 'repairing the world,'" said Congressman Rangel.

As an unwavering supporter of Israel, Congressman Rangel has supported the nation and is hopeful for a two-state solution that provides an economic base for the West Bank and greater security for Israel. 

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