The ninety-second anniversary of the birth of Emma Lasarus, Jewish poetess and author of the world-famous poem which graces the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty was celebrated yesterday at ceremonies in front of the Statue conducted jointly by the National Park Service and the American Committee for the Protection of the Foreign Born Miss Lazarus, who died at the age of 59, was born in New York City on July 22, 1849.
A wreath commemorating her birth was sent by Secretary of the Interior Harold Ickes. A message from Gov. Lehman was read to the assembly. Alden Whitman, assistant secretary of the Committee for the Protection of the Foreign Born in a speech at the ceremonies declared:
“We must be an guard here against attacks on the foreign-born and the non-citizen, as well as against the suggestions to abolish the right of naturalised Americans to hold public office.”
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
