A diverse list of Jewish organizations supports H.R.7764, legislation to create a commission to study joining the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia under the auspices of the Smithsonian Institution. At present, it is a Smithsonian affiliate.
Jewish Federations of North America sent a supportive letter last week signed by 36 Jewish groups to four leaders in the House: Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Reps. Steve Scalise (R-La.), Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) and Katherine Clark (D-Mass.).
Established in 1976, the Weitzman operates as a nonprofit and the country’s only museum focused on exploring the American Jewish experience. Its building on Independence Mall broke ground in 2007. If the measure were to pass, the building would remain in Philadelphia.
The letter noted that the Smithsonian included museums devoted to different groups, including African-Americans, Latinos and American Indians, with an Asian-American museum now in consideration. “The story of the American Jewish community similarly merits a Smithsonian museum,” the groups stated.
Quoting from the U.S. national strategy to combat antisemitism, the letter noted that the plan called for educating “the public about both antisemitism and Jewish American heritage.” Doing so required “programming in museums, libraries, and arts and cultural institutions”
Karen Paikin Barall, vice president of government relations of the Jewish Federations of North America, said “it’s critical, given the antisemitism crisis across our country, that we have a place to shine the light brightly on the contributions made by Jews in United States society throughout history. The Smithsonian is the perfect place to make that happen.”
Other signatories of the letter include the Anti-Defamation League, Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, American Jewish Committee, Rabbinical Council of America, American Jewish Congress, Combat Antisemitism Movement, HIAS, Israeli American Council, Religious Zionists of America-Mizrachi, Union for Reform Judaism, United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, Women’s League for Conservative Judaism, Women of Reform Judaism, Zioness and Zionist Organization of America.