Jewish American Heritage Month

Posted By richards on March 16, 2015

A former Gator who climbed her way up the political ladder returned to Gainesville on Friday to address the local Jewish community.

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz spoke to students and community members about staying connected in the Jewish community and recognizing the importance of Jewish American Heritage Month.

Wasserman Schultz said Gainesville is her second favorite place after her South Florida hometown. She earned her bachelors and masters degrees in political science from UF, and she was a student senator and member of the College Democrats.

Soon after graduating, Wasserman Schultz became the first Jewish woman from Florida elected into Congress in 2004. She said she carries her pride in Judaism and Israel proudly and was influential in creating Jewish American Heritage Month, which is celebrated in May.

She said its important for the UF Jewish community to get involved around campus.

I think its really important that we instill that activism, Wasserman Schultz said.

Wasserman Schultz also spoke about the honor of traveling to Israel with President Barack Obama as the liaison between the White House and the Jewish community.

During the Q&A, people asked about combating anti-Semitism, the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus recent speech and advice as a female leader.

Aaron Hubberman, a UF political science freshman, said he was impressed by her work ethic.

Shes showing (hard work) by climbing the political ladder, Hubberman, 19, said.

Read this article:
Florida congresswoman talks Jewish heritage, leadership

Category: Jewish American Heritage Month
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