Celebrating Diversity in U.S. Congress
The FFEU organizes receptions and ceremonies in Capitol Hill to promote cooperation and celebrate diversity in Congress and in the U.S. society.
In 2014, U.S. Congress honored the FFEU for its 25th Anniversary as the national address for Black-Jewish relations. Over 15 members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives spoke about their personal connections to the goals of the Foundation, including Senator Chuck Schumer, Rep Yvette Clarke, Rep Ted Deutch, Rep Sheila Jackson Lee, Rep. James Clyburn and Rep. Jerrold Nadler.
Here are few highlights of FFEU’s work in U.S. Congress:
FFEU’s Biennial Congressional Reception welcoming New Ethnic Members of Congress
Since 2005, FFEU has hosted the New Ethnic Congressional Members reception on Capitol Hill. The First Congressional reception welcomed and honored new ethnic members including, Barack Obama who was then elected as Senator, Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz.
On January 24th, 2017, Rabbi Schneier opened the FFEU Biennial Congressional Reception at the U.S. Capitol Building, stating: “25 of the 55 freshman members of Congress are of Latino, Jewish, Asian, Black, and Indian descent. This is a portrait of what our country is today.”
Present at the reception were not only new and returning members of Congress, but also esteemed foreign dignitaries, including the ambassadors of Albania, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Hungary, Namibia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and more.
In addition to New Ethnic Congressional Members receptions, the Foundation hosts congressional awards, honoring members of Congress who have shown leadership and commitment to strengthening relationships among ethnic communities.
Click on the link to watch the 2017 Biennial Congressional Reception.
FFEU’s Black-Jewish panels in Capitol Hill
Since 2003, the FFEU has hosted inter-ethnic congressional leadership forums and congressional staff meetings on Capitol Hill. The 2007 inter-ethnic Congressional Staff Luncheon addressed race relations and the rebuilding of New Orleans 19 months after Hurricane Katrina ripped through the City. In June 2015, Rabbi Schneier addressed a breakfast meeting of 35 members of the Black and Jewish Caucuses of the U.S. House of Representatives. The meeting was hosted by Congressman Alcee L. Hasting.