The Emma Lazarus Federation of Jewish Women’s Clubs announced today that it had nominated the American Jewish poet Emma Lazarus (1849-1887) for election in 1973 to the Hall of Fame. In announcing the nomination, the Jewish women’s organization pointed out that Emma Lazarus was an outstanding leader in the struggle for human rights. She believed deeply in justice, freedom and equality for all. “Until we are all free, we are none of us free,” she wrote.
Emma Lazarus was conscious of the status of women and had the will and the courage to speak out and expose the “veil and screen” that robbed women of their basic rights. She detested and opposed bigotry wherever and whenever it appeared. The American poet, John Greenleaf Whittier wrote, “Since Miriam sang of deliverance and triumph by the Red Sea, the Semitic race has not had a braver singer.”
Emma Lazarus’ sympathies were always with the poor and oppressed, the Federation statement said. Their sufferings inspired her to write the famous poem “The New Colossus.” which is inscribed at the base of the Statue of Liberty in New York harbor. The 70th anniversary of the unveiling of this bronze tablet with the poet’s sonnet, dedicated to “the huddled masses yearning to breathe free,” takes place this year.
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