VIDEO/PHOTOS: Rep Nydia Velazquez Of NY Speaks On House Floor In Recognition Of Efforts Of Rabbi Weissmandl Zatzal In The Holocaust

(VIDEO AND PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE)

In the ongoing effort by the “Weissmandl committee” to gain proper recognition to the holocaust efforts of Rabbi Michael Ber Weissmandl Zatza”l, legislation “H.R.2740 – Rabbi Michael Ber Weissmandl Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2017” was introduced in Congress.

The legislation Sponsored by Nydia Velazquez of NY and Brian Mast of FL calls for the “Congressional Gold Medal” to be granted to Rabbi Weissmandl in recognition of his acts of valor during World War II.

This is just the latest of many actions the “Weissmandl committee” undertook. Those include successfully Co-naming 50th street between 10th and 20th in Boro-Park as “Rabbi Weissmandl way”, as well as Passing legislation in the NYS Senate and Assembly officially recognizing Rabbi Weissmandl’s efforts in the war. The NYS Senate has also granted Rabbi Weissmandl the “NYS Liberty Medal”. This Medal is the highest civilian honor in New York.

The effort in Congress is just the latest in the series of actions with more plans being planned. The legislation was very warmly welcomed in Congress and has speedily garnered much support.

The bill already has 210 co-sponsors – the second highest number of co-sponsors for any gold medals legislation introduced in Congress in this congressional session – and is well on its way to the 290 co-sponsors needed for passage.

In honor of the Yahrzeit of Rabbi Weissmandl representative Nydia Velazquez of NY – the Democratic sponsor of the bill – spoke on the floor of the house in recognition of Rabbi Weissmandl’s efforts in the war, and to urge her colleagues in Congress to join her as co-sponsors of the legislation.

Representative Velazquez has also recently held an event on Capitol Hill to garner support for the effort. At the event, Representative Velazquez was joined by numerous other congressional representatives, members of the Weissmandl committee, representatives for the White House, several European embassies and Holocaust historians and activists.