Senate passes bill to consider transferring Weitzman museum to Smithsonian

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Dec 06, 2024 | News | Other | National
Senate passes bill to consider transferring Weitzman museum to Smithsonian
Caption: Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia. Photo by Carin M. Smilk.

JNS

“All Americans should understand the inextricable, indelible and important links between our nation and its Jewish communities,” Phil Darivoff, chair emeritus of the museum, told JNS.

The Senate passed a bill on Tuesday by unanimous consent that would establish a commission to study transferring the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia to the Smithsonian Institution. It comes on the heels of a companion bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in September.

The development came after 36 organizations supported H.R.774, legislation to create a commission towards that goal. Currently, the museum is an affiliate of the Smithsonian.

Phil Darivoff, trustee and chair emeritus of the Weitzman, told JNS that there is an urgent need for a Smithsonian Museum for American Jewish history, heritage and culture to counter mistruths and conspiracy theories about Jews.

“All Americans should understand the inextricable, indelible and important links between our nation and its Jewish communities,” he said. “The fundamental statement at our inception—that we are all created equal with infinite value, dignity and uniqueness—is a core Jewish value.”

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.), one of four co-sponsors who introduced the bill in the House, said bringing the Weitzman into the Smithsonian fold would help combat antisemitism.

“Educating all Americans—from all over the country—about the amazing contributions Jewish Americans made to our nation not only raises awareness but helps dispel harmful prejudices about our community,” said Wasserman Schultz. “Welcoming the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History into the larger Smithsonian family would bring that vision closer to reality.”

The bill would create an eight-member commission appointed by the leaders of the House and Senate that would study the feasibility of the Weitzman becoming part of the Smithsonian, an independent trust of museums created by the federal government.

Within two years of its formation, the commission would report on the financial and legal impact of incorporating the museum into the Smithsonian, and whether it would affect educational and governmental efforts to study and counter antisemitism.

Established in 1976, the museum bills itself as “the only museum in the nation dedicated exclusively to exploring and interpreting the American Jewish experience.” 

Originally the National Museum of American Jewish History, it was renamed in 2021 after a major gift by shoe designer Stuart Weitzman.

‘A first step’

American Jewish groups, including the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, the Anti-Defamation League and the Jewish Federations of North America, endorsed the measure to make the museum part of the Smithsonian collection and applauded the vote on Wednesday.

Karen Barall, vice president of government relations for the Jewish Federations of North America, told JNS her organization was “thrilled” with the passage of the legislation.

“This bill is a first step in further cementing the status and story of the American Jewish community as a key part of our nation’s history,” Barall said. “The Smithsonian Institution has played a critical role in the preservation and celebration of numerous diverse communities throughout America, and we believe the story of the American Jewish community similarly merits a Smithsonian Museum.”

The bill previously passed the House by a voice vote in September and will now proceed to U.S. President Joe Biden for signature.


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