Jewish Heritage Celebration - 2016 - Invitation

On May 25, the United States Senate will celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month by officially recognizing several outstanding Jewish Americans who have greatly enriched the fabric of American life. Prominent Members of the US Senate will be participating and heralding the accomplishments of this year's honorees who include:

Rabbi Hillel Zaltzman of Chamah, who was born in Kharkov, Ukraine. His family fled the Nazis to Samarkand, Uzbekistan, where he grew up. When simply being a Jew posed a grave danger, sixteen-year old Hillel entered the Jewish underground-whose mandate was to keep Judaism alive in the crosshairs of the KGB by carrying out missions throughout the Soviet Union. Zaltzman immigrated to America in 1974. In his widely-acclaimed literary work, Samarkand, The Underground's Far Reaching Impact, Zaltzman transports the reader to times gone-by, painting a graphic picture of legendary heroes by describing in vivid detail the fascinating story of the self-sacrifice of a small group of Jews who bravely fought the mighty, brutal Soviet regime, and prevailed.

Thomas B. Corby, President of the LA based Erwin Rautenberg Charitable Foundation, whose support has enabled the USC Shoah Foundation, Jewish Home for Aging, Holocaust Survivors Justice Network, and The JVS Scholarship Fund. Mr. Corby is a major force behind the humanitarian work of these organizations. His generosity and tireless support has literally turned around the lives of thousands.

Mrs. Ruth Lichtenstein, founder of Project Witness, will be recognized for her trailblazing accomplishments in the realm of Holocaust education. Project Witness offers groundbreaking resources for Holocaust education while remaining deeply committed to its unique mission of exploring the spiritual, ethical, and intellectual responses of Holocaust survivors and victims. By focusing on the character, identity, and faith of survivors and victims alike, Project Witness serves to ensure that their legacy guides us and future generations toward a more hopeful future.

J. Morton Davis, owner and Chairman of D.H. Blair Investment Banking Corp. The over 400 companies for which he has raised more than $3 billion have created countless jobs and have added exciting new products including breakthrough drugs, unique electronic and telecommunications products. Mr. Davis served on the Board of trustees of Yeshiva University and on the Board of Sy Syms School of Business.

Manochehr Mike Nazarian who is the Chairman the Iranian American Jewish Federation which was founded in 1980 as an umbrella organization with main objective of representing Iranian Jews - as well as streamlining the philanthropic activities of its member organizations.

Rabbi Marc Schneier, President of the Foundation For Ethnic Understanding, is an international figure who is renowned for his dedication to strengthening cooperation and reconciliation among ethnic and religious communities most notably in the field of Black-Jewish Relations. Rabbi Schneier is the author of Shared Dreams: Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Jewish Community.

This event will be co-chaired by Greg Rosenbaum, whose leadership has greatly enhanced the Jewish Heritage celebrations on Capitol Hill; Hon. Norman Eisen, former Ambassador to the Czech Republic;Assemblymember Phil Goldfeder; Stanley Treitel, Co-Chair of the Wallenberg Commission; and coordinated by The Friedlander Group, under the stewardship of Mr.Ezra Friedlander who remarked that this year's honorees, "literally represent the gamut of Jewish contributions to the United states, ranging from fighting for religious freedom, philanthropy, Holocaust remembrance and education, business achievements , civil rights, and successful integration of an immigrant community."

JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH CELEBRATION United States Senate

You are cordially invited to attend a luncheon in Tribute to American Jewry Honoring leaders of the Jewish community Wednesday - May 25, 2016 12NOON-2PM Kennedy Caucus Room (SR-325) Russell Senate Office Building Capitol Hill Washington, DC

~Co-chairs~ Ambassador Norman Eisen (ret.) Honorable Phil Goldfeder NYS Assembly Member Greg Rosenbaum Co-Chair Jewish Heritage Committee Stanley Treitel Co-Chair Raoul Wallenberg Commission

This event will recognize the historical contributions Jews have granted the United States.

Invitation Non-Transferrable - Limited Seating Absolutely no contributions will be solicited or accepted.

May has been proclaimed by the United States Congress as Jewish American Heritage Month. Despite centuries of oppression and persecution, Jews have always risen up to help bring improvement and progress to society. For more than 350 years, Jews have been making major contributions to the American culture, including arts, science, medicine, sports, business, government and military service. ~Presidential Proclamations~ "The Jewish people's pursuit of freedom brought multitudes to our shores...let us honor their tremendous contributions...And let all of us find inspiration in a story that speaks to the universal human experience, with all of its suffering and all of its salvation." Barack Obama 44th President of the United States "Jewish American Heritage Month [is] to increase tolerance and raise awareness about ...the depth and breadth of contributions of Jews through 350 years of Jewish life in America... through every walk of life is incredibly important."   George W. Bush 43rd President of the United States "Jewish citizens have contributed their knowledge and skills to every field of endeavor, including education, business, industry, science, and the arts. Their names are permanently etched in America's history books, and the Jewish community's rich heritage and culture pervade all aspects of American society."   William J. Clinton 42nd President of the United States "American Jews have contributed significantly to the spiritual and cultural elevation of our society since the founding of our Nation. Jewish immigrants and their descendants have brought dignity and distinction to every field of American endeavor. Our Jewish citizens have served America by fighting for her freedom, building her industry, striving for her goals, and nurturing her dreams."   Ronald Reagan (1981) 40th President of the United States