John, May is Jewish American Heritage Month, an opportunity to celebrate the often overlooked contributions of Jewish Americans to our rich national tapestry.

For me, it’s also a chance to reflect on my own family’s uniquely Jewish-American legacy.

My great-grandfather, born in Poland, left for America in 1906. With little capital and pervasive discrimination, he settled in Jasper, Alabama. (That took some real chutzpah.)

He started a business selling goods to local coal miners, and after establishing himself in the community, he became a founding member of the first Reform temple in town.

Both of my grandfathers served in the Navy. Later, they returned to Birmingham, where my mother and grandmother became active in local Jewish life.

When I was growing up, my mom Michelle became president of the National Council of Jewish Women. Her work inspired me to keep my faith close during my time in the Navy. In 2001, I even held a Seder in the middle of the Indian Ocean on board the USS Enterprise.

And in 2019, I stood next to my own daughter as I was sworn in as the first Jewish woman to represent Virginia in Congress – all because, 117 years ago, this country opened its welcoming arms to my great-grandfather.

Had America closed its doors to my great-grandfather, he might have stayed in Europe, and I wouldn’t be sitting here writing this to you.

That’s why I’ll continue to defend the values that made this country the prosperous and diverse place it is today.

Defend Democracy PAC is working hard to elect leaders who share our dedication to a free, open, and democratic Virginia. I hope you’ll join us – and if you can, will you chip in a few bucks to fuel our fight?

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Together, we can ensure that we remain a beacon of freedom, a refuge from persecution, and a strong foundation on which to build a better future.

Yours,
Elaine



Elaine Luria is a retired member of the US Navy. Use of her military rank, job titles, and photographs in uniform does not imply endorsement by the US Navy or the Department of Defense.

Elaine for Congress
PO Box 66191
Virginia Beach, VA 23466
United States

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