HIAS Resolution - 08.03.2001

 

 

U.S. Senate
HIAS

Senate Resolution Saluting HIAS 

The resolution (S. Res. 145) recognizing the 4,500,000 immigrants helped by the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society was considered and agreed to and the preamble was agreed to, as follows:

S. Res. 145

Whereas the United States has always been a country of immigrants and was built on the hard work and dedication of generations of those immigrants who have gathered on our shores;

Whereas, over the past 120 years, more than 4,500,000 migrants of all faiths have immigrated to the United States, Israel, and other safe havens around the world through the aid of the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (referred to in this resolution as `HIAS'), the oldest international migration and refugee resettlement agency in the United States;

Whereas, since the 1970s, more than 400,000 refugees from more than 50 countries who have fled areas of conflict and instability, danger and persecution, have resettled in the United States with the high quality assistance of HIAS;

Whereas outstanding individuals such as former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, artist Marc Chagall, Olympic gold-medalist Lenny Krayzelberg, poet and Nobel Laureate Joseph Brodsky, and author and restaurateur George Lang have been assisted by HIAS;

Whereas these immigrants and refugees have been provided with information, counseling, legal assistance, and other services, including outreach programs for the Russian-speaking immigrant community, with the assistance of HIAS; and

Whereas on September 9, 2001, HIAS will celebrate the 120th anniversary of its founding: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate--

(1) recognizes the contributions of the 4,500,000 immigrants and refugees served by HIAS to the United States and democracies throughout the world in the arts, sciences, government, and in other areas; and

(2) requests that the President issue a proclamation--

(A) recognizing September 9, 2001, as the 120th anniversary of the founding of the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society; and

(B) calling on the people of the United States to conduct appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs to demonstrate appreciation for the contributions made by the millions of immigrants and refugees served by HIAS.