Honored on Capitol Hill in Washington

Honored on Capitol Hill in Washington
On May 20, 2025, the annual celebration of Jewish American Heritage Month took place in the historic Kennedy Chamber in the Russell Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill. The gala was organized by Project Legacy, led by Ezra Friedlander, founder and CEO of The Friedlander Group.
Mr. Friedlander has been successfully leading large-scale and multifaceted campaigns in the field of public relations for more than 15 years. He has established himself as an outstanding strategist with deep knowledge, multifaceted skills and the ability to act professionally and with dignity even in the most difficult situations. He is highly valued by colleagues and partners, noting the combination of delicacy, competence and impeccable reputation.
The event was attended by high-ranking guests: members of the US Congress, ambassadors from different countries, diplomats, religious leaders and businessmen. All the speeches were bright and informative, and also emphasized the significant contribution of the Jewish community to the development of the United States.
National recognition of Jewish heritage in the United States began in the early 1980s, when Malcolm Hoenlein approached President Ronald Reagan with the idea of establishing Jewish Heritage Week. Two decades later, thanks to the efforts of Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Senator Arlen Specter, Congress unanimously passed a resolution establishing Jewish American Heritage Month. The holiday was formally established by an executive order from President George W. Bush, and the tradition has since been continued by Presidents Obama, Trump, and Biden.
This year, President Donald Trump again signed a proclamation in honor of Jewish Heritage Month, emphasizing that "Jews have played an indispensable role throughout American history — from farmers and soldiers to lawyers, artists, scientists and doctors." Special Assistant to the President Martin Marks spoke at the celebration.
The evening's guest of honor was Los Angeles philanthropist Joe Ouaknine, CEO of Titan Industries, who was presented with a commemorative trophy.
Co-chair of the event, New York entrepreneur Mark Jason, spoke about his first meeting with Joe Ouaknine:
"I was immediately struck by his achievements - in Los Angeles, in Morocco and around the world. But I was even more impressed by his modesty and human charm."
Joe Ouaknine was born in Casablanca and immigrated to Canada, where he attended Concordia University in Montreal and was inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame for his achievements in football. In 1977, he moved to Los Angeles and started small with three shoe stores. He was the first to introduce designer shoes to the United States under the Charles David brand, later becoming vice president of Charles David and Guess Footwear. He later co-founded Titan Industries, Inc. with Sal Palermo. Today, Titan is one of the leading manufacturers of fashionable footwear in the United States. Ouaknine’s life is an example of entrepreneurship, philanthropy and innovation, and the embodiment of the best qualities of an American. In his speech, he said: “I have lived in this wonderful country for almost 50 years. It has given me great opportunities, and I am grateful to it with all my heart.”
Speakers at the event included Senators Jackie Rosen (Nevada), John Hickenlooper (Colorado), Elissa Slotkin (Michigan), Jeff Merkley (Oregon), Tim Kaine (Virginia), and Representatives Barry Loudermilk (Ga.), Randy Fine (Florida), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (Florida), Chuck Fleischmann (Tennessee), Andy Biggs (Arizona), Laura Gillen (New York), and Bobby Scott (Virginia).
It was truly touching to see members of Congress, Senators, White House staff and ambassadors come together to pay their respects to the entire American Jewish community.
Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz, who pioneered the celebration 20 years ago, issued an inspiring statement:
"Jews have made incredible contributions to our country. We are deeply committed to the idea of Tikkun Olam - and proud of the impact we have had on many generations."
The event was organized at a high level, and nothing foreshadowed that the very next day Washington would be shaken by tragedy: two employees of the Israeli embassy, Sara Milgrom and Yaron Leshinsky, were killed near the museum. I still cannot believe that this has become possible in our days. Blessed memory to the young diplomats who left so early.
Marina Lagunova