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Jewish Center honored by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

The Jewish Center of Jackson Heights was recognized by Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez during a speech on the floor of the United States Congress in Washington D.C. on Friday, November 20, 2020

Her one-minute speech honored the Jewish Center’s centennial anniversary this year.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez recognizes the Jewish Center of Jackson Heights from the floor of the House of Representatives on Friday, November 20, 2020.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez recognizes the Jewish Center of Jackson Heights from the floor of the House of Representatives on Friday, November 20, 2020.

The text of her speech appears below:

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the centennial anniversary of the Jewish Center of Jackson Heights by sharing some of their rich history in New York’s 14th Congressional District.

The center was founded as the Queens Independent Society in 1920 when a few Jewish families looked for a space to congregate in Jackson Heights. It was first called the Queens Independent Society because the term Jewish was not permitted at the time.

The original building itself was based in Woodside, an adjacent neighborhood to Jackson Heights because at the time Jews were not welcome in the neighborhood of Jackson Heights.

However in 1928 the center was able to rename itself the Jewish Center of Jackson Heights and in the 1950’s they officially moved their brick and mortar into the community where they are today.

Today it’s known as an inclusive and accepting space, hosting community events throughout the year as well as housing our beloved Queens Center for Gay Seniors.

Mr. Speaker, I ask our colleagues to join me in recognizing the Jewish Center of Jackson Heights.

Thank you for your ongoing service to our community.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.