PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia is one step closer to becoming the 22nd Smithsonian Museum in the nation thanks to a bill signed into law by President Joe Biden.
“This was a combination of, like, pure joy and also relief, and because we really think this is so important to the fulfilling the museum's mission,” said Phil Darivoff, chairman emeritus of the Weitzman Museum, which is the only museum in the nation dedicated exclusively to exploring and interpreting the American Jewish experience.
The legislation calls for an independent bipartisan commission of eight, which should occur within 90 days. The commissioners would then elect a chairperson and prepare a report recommending action. Darivoff says the move would elevate the standing of the museum in the country and world.
“Visitors to America will want to come to see our museum, and throughout the country, people will want to want to learn from the content that we will produce, it just changes the way people will receive us and the doors that will open for us,” Darivoff said.
He says many people in America can live their entire lives without meeting a Jewish person. The museum can help people explore the rich history.
“Jews are only 2% of the country, and they're concentrated in cities like New York and Philadelphia and Los Angeles, and there's an enormous number of people that know very little about Jews. And what they learn about Jews, they often learn from people who don't like us very much,” he said.