Update from The Weitzman: Smithsonian Bill Passed in Senate
Dear Friends,
Just 8 months ago we shared the exciting news with you that legislation was introduced in the U.S. Congress that would establish a commission to study the potential transfer of the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History to the Smithsonian Institution.
We are thrilled to report the legislation has now passed unanimously in both the House and Senate!
America is one step closer to having a Smithsonian museum for American Jewish history, heritage, and culture thanks to all of you who wrote your Members of Congress urging them to support this legislation. We couldn’t do what we do without you. Your support of our work to teach the true, joyful, and powerful stories of Jewish life in America as an antidote to antisemitism, bigotry, and hate has led us to this point.
This effort would also not have been possible without the bipartisan, bicameral coalition in the U.S. Congress who championed—and continue to champion—this effort. We offer our deepest gratitude to U.S. Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) who introduced the bill, H.R.7764, in the House, and U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) who introduced S.4001 in the Senate.
We also thank the bill’s co-leads: U.S. Representatives Mike Turner (R-OH-10), Brendan Boyle (D-PA-02) and Max Miller (R-OH-07), and original Senate co-sponsors U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-ID), John Fetterman (D-PA), and Jacky Rosen (D-NV).
As stated, the “Commission to Study the Potential Transfer of the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History to the Smithsonian Institution Act,” will create a Commission of Inquiry led by nine eight individuals with relevant expertise to study the feasibility of transferring the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia to the Smithsonian Institution.
When the President signs the bill into law in the coming days, the commission will be able to be formed.
We know you share our strong belief that our nation needs a Smithsonian museum for American Jewish history, heritage, and culture to counter mistruths and conspiracy theories, and show the American public the inextricable, indelible, and important links between our nation and its Jewish communities.
We look forward to keeping you updated in the months ahead on how you can continue to support this effort. We will also continue to post updates to theweitzman.org/smithsonian.
Thank you again for all you did to make this possible.
The Weitzman
P.S. Many of you have asked how you can help in the meantime. Here are a few simple things you can do right now:
Show your support for The Weitzman—help ensure that as the commission explores the feasibility of our transfer to the Smithsonian, that they find a vibrant and vital organization with a robust membership from coast to coast, online program attendees from across the country, thousands of school students through our doors, and teachers from around the country participating in our educator professional development. Anything you can do to join in, sign up, donate, learn more, and spread the word will make a difference.