WASHINGTON, DC (Press Release)– Democratic U.S. Reps. Jerrold Nadler (NY-12) and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) announced the creation of the Congressional Jewish Caucus on Thursday, Feb. 6.
Earlier Thursday, Jewish Members of Congress adopted a proposal developed by Reps. Nadler and Wasserman Schultz to formalize a Caucus that will serve as an official forum for Jewish Members of Congress to exchange ideas and advocate for the issues important to the American Jewish community, while also serving as a bridge to other members and organizations within the House.
Upon its formal creation, the Caucus Founder, Rep. Wasserman Schultz, nominated Reps. Nadler and Brad Schneider (IL-10) to serve as co-chairs of the Caucus, who were then unanimously elected by the Caucus members.
“I am honored to have worked with my friend and colleague Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz to come together to create a proposal on the base of which the Congressional Jewish Caucus was successfully formed by a vote of our colleagues. I thank Rep. Wasserman Schultz for her efforts that have successfully brought her long-time vision to a reality and am privileged to have been her negotiating partner in this effort.
“In response to unprecedented rising antisemitism in the United States and the challenges the American Jewish community has faced in the wake of the horrific terrorist attacks of October 7th, the need for this Caucus is understandable. I am confident this caucus will bring Jewish members together to strive to achieve unity not unanimity, and will be a productive forum to discuss issues of import to the American Jewish community. I look forward to our discussions and exchanging our many perspectives. After all, as the old adage goes: two Jews, three opinions,” said Founding Co-Chair Nadler. “I am also honored to have been elected the founding co-chair along with Rep. Brad Schneider. I look forward to working closely with him and to continuing my leadership on behalf of my Jewish colleagues.”
“Education, understanding and strengthening relationships with other communities is critical to advancing Jewish community priorities. With antisemitism reaching record levels in the United States, it is more important than ever before that Jewish Members of Congress have a formal Caucus to represent the unique perspective of the Jewish American community,” said Founder Wasserman Schultz.
“I have long believed that a Congressional Jewish Caucus will enhance our ability to advocate for the Jewish American community, so I am honored to have partnered with my dear friend Rep. Jerry Nadler in bringing together our colleagues to make this vision a reality. Rep. Nadler’s fierce and long-standing leadership within the U.S. House of Representatives and the Jewish American community is unparalleled. I am thrilled to congratulate both him and Rep. Schneider for being elected as the Caucus’ founding co-chairs.”
“For more than a decade, I’ve fought for the Jewish American community in Congress—not just as an advocate, but as a builder of bridges, strengthening relationships across the aisle,” said Founding Co-Chair Schneider. “With antisemitism surging and the challenges facing our community growing more complex, now is the time for a dedicated, united voice in Congress. This Caucus isn’t just overdue—it’s essential. I’m grateful to Debbie Wasserman Schultz for her leadership and honored to help lead it alongside my friend Jerry Nadler.”
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Preceding provided by the congressional offices of Jerrold Nadler and Debbie Wasserman Shultz