FIRST REGULAR SESSION

House Concurrent Resolution No. 16

93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

1274L.01I

      Whereas, in 1654, Jewish refugees from Brazil arrived on North American shores and formally established North America's first Jewish community in New Amsterdam, now New York City; and

            Whereas, America welcomed Jews among the millions of immigrants that streamed through our Nation's history and helped shape our Nation; and

            Whereas, the American Jewish community has been intimately involved in our Nation's civic, social, economic, and cultural life; and

            Whereas, the American Jewish community has sought to actualize the broad principles of liberty and justice that are enshrined in the constitutions of the United States and the State of Missouri; and

            Whereas, the American Jewish community is an equal participant in the religious life of our Nation; and

            Whereas, American Jews have fought valiantly for the United States in every one of our Nation's military struggles from the American Revolution to Operation Enduring Freedom, with not less than 16 American Jews having received the Medal of Honor; and

            Whereas, 2005 marks the 351st anniversary of the American Jewish community; and

            Whereas, the Commission for Commemorating 351 Years of American Jewish History has designated September 2005 as "American Jewish History Month":

            Now, therefore, be it resolved that the members of the House of Representatives of the Ninety-third General Assembly, First Regular Session, the Senate concurring therein, hereby declare that the State of Missouri:

            (1) Recognizes the 351st anniversary of the American Jewish Community;

            (2) Supports designation of an "American Jewish History Month"; and

            (3) Urges all Missourians to share in this commemoration so as to have a greater appreciation of the role of the American Jewish Community in helping to defend and further the liberties and freedom of all Americans.