Speech #1090097899

I further urge all Americans to share in this commemoration to have a greater appreciation for the role the Jewish American community has had in helping to defend and further the liberties and freedom of all Americans. In 1654. Jewish refugees from Brazil arrived on North American shores and formally established North Americas first Jewish community in New Amsterdam. now New York City. America welcomed Jews among the millions of immigrants that streamed through our Nations gates. The waves of Jewish immigrants arriving in America helped shape our great Nation. Jewish immigration to America throughout the last 350 years brought with it legions of notable researchers. lawyers. statesmen. inventors. entertainers. artists. scientists. authors. musicians. doctors. ethicists. entrepreneurs and spiritual leadersmen and women who substantially transformed this nation and its urban communities. In this month of observance of American Jewish history. I think iR is also important that we also focus on our countrys relationship with Israel.