WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a noteworthy step to amplify the narratives of Jewish Americans, a group of U.S. senators and representatives put forth legislation on Wednesday to initiate the transfer of the esteemed Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History into the collection of the Smithsonian Institution. Upon successful transition, the Weitzman will stand as the sole Smithsonian museum devoted to Jewish American stories.
According to U.S. Senator Bob Casey, this integration serves two crucial purposes – recognizing the significant role played by Jewish Americans in shaping the country’s history and offering a potent educational tool to counter rising antisemitism.
As Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz explains, the integration goes beyond just raising awareness. It poses a chance to invalidate harmful prejudices by shedding more light on the noteworthy contributions of Jewish communities to America’s evolution.
The Weitzman Museum, presently located in Philadelphia, serves as an essential symbol of the impact Jewish Americans have had on U.S. history. Congressman Mike Turner voices his staunch support for this effort of assimilation, expressing its potential to expand the reach of Jewish-American stories.
Echoing Turner’s sentiment, Congressman Brendan Boyle states that the inclusion of the Weitzman Museum into the Smithsonian family would enhance its access to educational resources, artifacts, and expert guidance, thus aiding its mission to preserve and promote American Jewish culture.
“Given the increase in antisemitism, it’s more crucial than ever to showcase Jewish-American Heritage at the world’s renowned museum and research complex,” opined Representative Max Miller.
Dr. Misha Galperin, President and CEO of the Weitzman, emphasizes the museum’s commitment to educating a diverse audience about the intertwining of American history with its Jewish communities. Joining the Smithsonian, in his view, would be an honor.
The proposed legislation calls for the formation of a nine-member commission to evaluate the possible transfer of the Weitzman Museum to the Smithsonian Institution. This commission’s mandate includes assessing the museum’s current collections and its potential effects on antisemitism education, examining the institution’s financial standpoints, and gauging the operational impact of such a transfer on the Smithsonian.
The Anti-Defamation League CEO, Jonathan Greenblatt, expresses gratitude to the senators and representatives for this initiative, underscoring the crucial need to celebrate Jewish American history amidst escalating antisemitism.
The Jewish Federations of North America’s VP of Government Relations, Karen Paikin Barall, conveyed her organization’s support for this commission, placing the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History in an esteemed position within the Smithsonian Institution’s select museums.
This move, further endorsed by several additional senators and major American Jewish organizations, signals a significant shift towards national recognition and preservation of Jewish American contributions, while also serving as a potent educational tool against rising hate crimes. As the nation waits for the outcome, it’s clear that this step has the potential to reshape the narratives and perceptions around Jewish American history significantly.
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