For Immediate Release

Washington, DC - Rep Gene Green (D-Texas) called on all Texans to join in celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month, which began on May 1.

 

“This month is a special opportunity to pay tribute to the contributions Jewish Texans have made throughout the history of the state,” Green said.

 

“When the first Jewish settlers began practicing their religion in Texas in 1821, they sought a place of promise where they could practice their faith in freedom and live in liberty,” Green also said.

 

The state’s first Jewish cemetery was established in 1852 in Galveston, and another was begun in Houston just two years later. The first chartered Jewish organization, Congregation Beth Israel, was established in Houston in 1859.

 

Beginning in the 1870s, Jews in Texas began establishing various benevolent associations such as International Order of B'nai B'rith. They also organized Sunday schools, literary societies and other cultural groups.

 

“Texas and the United States are better and stronger because of the Jewish people who chose to become citizens here,” Green said. “Their commitment to excellence in science, public service, law, medicine, athletics, literature and countless other fields has enriched our nation and enhanced our culture.” 

 

For more information on the Jewish contribution to Texas, see the Handbook of Texas Online at http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/handbook/online/articles/JJ/pxj1.html and Rabbi Samuel M. Stahl’s sermon The Uniqueness of Texas Jews at http://www.beth-elsa.org/sms043004.htm.