Overview

• A bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced a bill to study the feasibility of incorporating the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History into the Smithsonian Institution.
• The initiative aims to provide financial security and recognition to the museum, which narrowly avoided closure due to bankruptcy four years ago.
• The legislation is motivated by a recent surge in antisemitism, with the museum's inclusion seen as a step towards educating Americans and combating prejudice.
• The Weitzman Museum, located in Philadelphia, already has an affiliation with the Smithsonian but seeks full integration for enhanced federal support and visibility.
• The bill is supported by prominent organizations including the Anti-Defamation League, the Jewish Federations of North America, and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations.