Nearly 200 lawmakers, congressional aides, Jewish organizational leaders, and invited guests gathered Wednesday morning at the US Capitol for an event recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month.

The breakfast gathering was organized by the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) and Jewish Federations of North America in partnership with the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations and the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History.

Among the featured speakers was Sam Salz, identified as the first Orthodox Jew to play Division I college football. Members of both parties from the House and Senate also addressed attendees.

Lawmakers who delivered remarks included Reps. David Kustoff, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Virginia Foxx, Timothy Kennedy, Haley Stevens, Don Bacon, Brad Schneider, Randy Weber, Mark Harris, and Randy Fine, along with Sens. Bernie Moreno and Dave McCormick.

Additional members of Congress in attendance included Reps. Josh Gottheimer, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Wesley Bell, Madeline Dean, Kim Schrier, Jim Jordan, and Dan Goldman.

Much of the discussion centered on antisemitism following the October 7 Hamas terrorist attacks and the broader role of Jewish Americans in US history and public life.

Rep. David Kustoff addressed the rise in antisemitism globally since October 7.

“How do we combat it? That is the magic question. We know that antisemitism has been around as long as the Jews have. There’s no easy, push-button answer. What each of us has to do is continue to call it out and show it exists all over. I’ll do that, and I’m proud that so many of my Republican and Democratic colleagues continue to do that. Let’s keep working. Let’s keep fighting.”

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz focused on education and public awareness during her remarks.

“It’s essential to seize this opportunity in the month of May to build awareness of the role Jewish Americans play in our country’s success. The best tool in the toolbox to counter baseless conspiracy theories, ignorance, and bigotry is education and sunlight. The mission of JAHM is clear — to educate our neighbors, to build broad, cross-community coalitions, and be embraced and celebrated, rather than tolerated. It’s essential, it’s achievable, and it’s fundamentally American.”

Other speakers included CAM President of US Affairs Alyza Lewin, Jewish Federations of North America President and CEO Eric Fingerhut, Conference of Presidents CEO William Daroff, and Weitzman Museum Chairman Emeritus Phil Darivoff.

Lewin said antisemitism cannot be addressed without understanding Jewish identity and Jewish history.

“Antisemitism is skyrocketing, and to address antisemitism effectively, you have to not only understand how it manifests and its patterns, but you need to understand Jewishness. You need to understand what it means for Jews to be Jewish, and you need to recognize and appreciate how the values of Judaism and Judeo-Christian ethics form the basis of this country.”

She added, “It is important that we come together to recognize Jewish American Heritage Month and celebrate what Jews in America have contributed over the last 250 years to this country. That’s what we’re here for today.”

Fingerhut described the United States as historically unique for Jewish life in the Diaspora.

“We are so proud of this great country that has been so open and so welcoming to the Jewish people. This is the greatest, most open, and freest society for the Jewish Diaspora in the 4,000-year history of the Jewish people. On this 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, we affirm our commitment to helping this country continue to be a strong, open, and vibrant beacon of freedom for peoples of all faiths from all over the world.”

Daroff said Jewish American history is intertwined with the broader American story.

“Jewish American Heritage Month reminds us that the Jewish story in America does not stand apart from the American story, but forms part of the fabric of our nation’s history, character, and democratic ideals.”

Darivoff said Jewish American Heritage Month serves as an opportunity to educate the public about Jewish history and identity.

“American Jewish values are central to the founding of this country and our political thought. Jewish American Heritage Month is an important moment for us to teach all Americans about who Jews are. It’s a huge task and we have a long way to go.”

In keynote remarks, Salz reflected on becoming the first Orthodox Jewish player in Division I football despite not having played football in high school.

“The fact you can have the child of an immigrant from Latvia and an immigrant from Uzbekistan come to this beautiful country and be the first Orthodox Jew to play Division I football is the epitome of the American dream,” he said. “I’m proud to stand on the shoulders of all the great Jewish Americans who came before me and helped shape the foundation of this country.”

Congress passed a bipartisan resolution in 2006 encouraging presidents to annually recognize Jewish American Heritage Month, after which President George W. Bush officially proclaimed May as the observance month.

Since then, presidents from both parties have issued annual proclamations marking the occasion, including President Donald Trump earlier this month.

Last week, the House unanimously approved a bipartisan resolution recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month and condemning antisemitism. CAM was among the organizations backing the measure.