Recognizing November 30, 2025, as "Yom Haplitim" or "Jewish Refugee Day".

Bill Number: H.Res. 904
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: International Affairs
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2025-11-20: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Education and Workforce, and Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Last Updated: 2025-12-05T21:36:44Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This House Resolution (H. Res. 904) aims to officially recognize November 30, 2025, as "Yom Haplitim" or "Jewish Refugee Day." It commemorates the historical exile of approximately 900,000 Jewish people from Arab countries in the Middle East, North Africa, and the Gulf region following World War II and the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. The resolution highlights the long history of Jewish communities in these areas, their contributions to local cultures, and the discrimination they faced, while emphasizing their integration into Israel and the United States.

Key Provisions

Background Clauses ("Whereas"):
Notes that November 30 is already observed as "Yom Haplitim" to honor Jewish refugees.
Describes over 2,500 years of Jewish presence in the region and their societal contributions despite discrimination.
Details the forced displacement of entire Jewish communities post-1948.
Acknowledges the refugees' roles in Israeli society and their contributions to U.S. culture.
Reiterates U.S. congressional support for Israel's security and the global Jewish community.
Resolved Actions:
Recognizes and commemorates "Yom Haplitim" or "Jewish Refugee Day."
Acknowledges the hardships faced by Jewish people and condemns all forms of antisemitism (prejudice or hostility against Jews).
Calls for educational programs in the United States, the Middle East, and North Africa to teach about the history of Jewish displacement.
Supports ongoing efforts to protect Jewish people from current and future threats.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It serves as a symbolic expression of the House of Representatives' views rather than enforceable legislation.

Potential Impacts

On Government Agencies: Minimal direct impact, but it may encourage federal agencies involved in education (e.g., Department of Education) or international affairs (e.g., State Department) to promote awareness through voluntary programs or diplomatic outreach.
On Citizens: Could increase public awareness and education about Jewish history and refugee experiences in the U.S., potentially fostering greater understanding and reducing antisemitism. Jewish communities may feel supported through official recognition.
On International Relations: May signal U.S. solidarity with Israel and Jewish diaspora issues, potentially influencing discussions on refugee rights or historical narratives in the Middle East and North Africa. It could promote dialogue on shared histories but is unlikely to alter formal treaties or policies.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Jewish Communities: Particularly descendants of refugees from Arab countries, who may benefit from heightened recognition of their history and hardships.
U.S. Congress and Policymakers: The resolution was introduced by Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Dan Goldman and referred to committees on Judiciary, Education and Workforce, and Foreign Affairs for review.
Educational Institutions and Organizations: Schools, museums, and nonprofits in the U.S., Middle East, and North Africa involved in history or human rights education.
Governments in the Middle East and North Africa: Indirectly affected through calls for regional educational efforts on Jewish history.
Broader Public: U.S. citizens and international audiences, via raised awareness of antisemitism and refugee displacement.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: No binding effects; resolutions like this do not create enforceable rights or obligations but can influence future legislation on related topics, such as anti-discrimination laws.
Constitutional: Aligns with the First Amendment's protection of free speech and assembly by promoting historical education without restricting viewpoints. It reinforces congressional authority to express support for human rights under Article I.
Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support for Israel and anti-antisemitism initiatives, potentially strengthening U.S. advocacy for Jewish rights globally. It may spark debates on historical narratives in the Israeli-Palestinian context but remains a non-partisan gesture focused on commemoration rather than policy mandates.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Wasserman Schultz, Debbie [D-FL-25]

Cosponsors (2)

Rep. Goldman, Craig A. [R-TX-12], Rep. Schneider, Bradley Scott [D-IL-10]

Recent Actions

2025-11-20: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Education and Workforce, and Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
2025-11-20: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Education and Workforce, and Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
2025-11-20: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Education and Workforce, and Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
2025-11-20: Submitted in House
2025-11-20: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

Recognizing November 30, 2025, as "Yom Haplitim" or "Jewish Refugee Day". — issued 2025-11-20 — PDF (3 pages)