Recognizing November 30, 2025, as Yom Haplitim or Jewish Refugee Day.
Summary
House Resolution 904 aims to recognize November 30, 2025, as "Yom Haplitim" or "Jewish Refugee Day." The resolution acknowledges the expulsion of approximately 900,000 Jewish people from Arab countries during the early years of the State of Israel. It also recognizes their contributions to both Israel and the United States.
Expected Effects
If passed, the resolution would formally recognize "Yom Haplitim" in the United States. This recognition could lead to increased awareness and educational efforts regarding the history and experiences of Jewish refugees from Arab countries. It may also foster a greater understanding of antisemitism and its impact.
Potential Benefits
- Increased awareness of Jewish history and the experiences of refugees.
- Potential for educational initiatives to promote understanding and tolerance.
- Symbolic support for the Jewish community and the State of Israel.
- Reinforcement of the condemnation of antisemitism.
- Recognition of the contributions of Jewish refugees to American society.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for the resolution to be perceived as taking sides in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
- Possible criticism from groups who may view the resolution as overlooking the experiences of Palestinian refugees.
- Risk of exacerbating existing tensions between communities.
- Limited direct impact beyond symbolic recognition.
- Potential for debate over the historical narrative presented in the resolution.
Constitutional Alignment
The resolution appears to align with the principles of the First Amendment, which protects freedom of speech and expression. Recognizing a historical event and expressing support for a particular group does not violate any specific constitutional provision. However, debates could arise regarding the Establishment Clause if the recognition is perceived as endorsing a particular religion, although this is unlikely given the resolution's broader focus on historical recognition and condemnation of antisemitism.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).