Twenty-three members of congress participate in foundation’s 4th Annual Black/Jewish Congressional Ceremony.

“Our single destiny must strengthen the bonds of concern, compassion and caring for each other. Today, we celebrate this historic and unique alliance between African Americans Jews that brought about the greatest social change in the history of our nation.” With these words, Rabbi Marc Schneier launched The Foundation’s 4th Annual Black/ Jewish Congressional Awards Ceremony and Reception in Washington D.C. on June 20, 2002. The breakfast brought together twenty-three members of congress, including: Shelley Berkley, Howard Berman, Sanford Bishop, Julia Carson, Bob Filner, Benjamin Gilman, Alcee Hastings, Eddie B. Johnson, Carolyn Kilpatrick, Tom Lantos, Barbara Lee, Sheila Jackson Lee, Nita Lowey, Cynthia Mckinney, Gregory Meeks, Jerrold Nadler, Major Owens, Donald Payne, Charles Rangel, Bobby Rush, Robert Scott, Edolphus Towns and Diane Watson.

Congresswoman Shelley Berkley (D-NV) were honored at the event. In their acceptance remarks, Congresswoman Shelley Berkley and Congressman Owens, paid tribute to the foundation for its leadership role in bringing the Congressional Black Caucus and the Jewish Congressional delegation together every year. Other speakers included Congressmembers Charlie Rangel, Ed Towns, Tom Lantos, and Ben Gilman, who hailed the Foundation for its landmark efforts in strengthening Black/Jewish relations.

The event was co-sponsored by the NAACP and the World Jewish Congress. Special thanks to our corporate sponsor the AT&T;Foundation and to our corporate donors Arista Records and Keyspan.