In honor of Jewish American Heritage Month, Congress commemorated the occasion by paying tribute to two influential figures in the American Jewish community, Malcolm Hoenlein and Eric Gertler, as part of their annual celebration. The event was organized by Project Legacy.
“We are saluting two remarkable individuals whose dedication to service and advocacy has left an indelible mark not only on our nation but also on the Jewish community in the United States and beyond” was the refrain heard throughout the two-hour-plus program featuring a bipartisan array of who’s who in national affairs.
Members of Congress from both parties attended the event to express their support for the Jewish community and its achievements. They delivered remarks at the event. The attending members included Senators Sherrod Brown, Ben Cardin, Cory Booker, Richard Blumenthal, John Hickenlooper, Tim Kaine, James Lankford, James Risch, Pete Ricketts, Jacky Rosen, Jeanne Shaheen, Brian Schatz, and Ron Wyden, as well as Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Brad Schneider.
Malcolm Hoenlein has been a prominent figure in Jewish leadership for decades, advocating on various issues impacting world Jewry. He has traveled globally, engaging with world leaders and Jewish communities. His extensive speaking engagements on international relations, Israel and Middle East Affairs, and the American Jewish community have established him as a true luminary in Jewish leadership. Hoenlein’s exceptional work as the Executive Vice Chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations and as the founding Executive Director of the Greater New York Conference on Soviet Jewry has made him synonymous with Jewish leadership.
Eric Gertler also deserves admiration for his dedication to public service and contributions to the Jewish community. He serves as the Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of U.S. News & World Report, and his leadership has been instrumental in shaping the discourse on global affairs. Gertler’s active involvement in various boards, including the Center for Public Leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School, Tel Aviv University, and Hebrew University, underscores his commitment to advancing education and fostering international cooperation.
“We are here to celebrate both extraordinary men not only for their accomplishments but also to acknowledge their impact as leaders in their respective communities,” said Greg Rosenbaum, program tribute in his closing remarks.
