Five Towns Rabbi Named To Committee To Protect Monuments Abroad

On Tuesday, Senator Chuck Schumer announced he plans to appoint Rabbi Hershel Billet of the Young Israel of Woodmere to the U.S. Commission for the Preservation of America’s Heritage Abroad. The commission aims to protect U.S. cemeteries, monuments and historic buildings in Eastern and Central Europe to ensure they are properly protected and preserved.

"For more than three decades, Rabbi Billet has been a pillar of the Jewish community in New York and is known for his steadfast spiritual leadership among both his congregants and peers," Schumer said. "Because of his moral values, knowledge and commitment to people of all backgrounds, I am confident that Rabbi Billet is an exceptional choice to serve on the U.S. Commission for the Preservation of America’s Heritage Abroad."

For more than three decades, Billet has served as the Rabbi of the Young Israel of Woodmere, the largest orthodox synagogue in the Five Towns. He has also served as President of the Rabbinical Council of America. Billet was educated and ordained at Rabbi Issac Elchanan Theological Seminary of Yeshiva University.

"The USA is made up of citizens who represent a melting pot of people from different ethnic, religious, and racial backgrounds," said Billet. "We are all united as Americans, but we are also all unique because of our diversity. We must never forget from where each of us has come. Therefore, it is a great a great honor to be nominated to serve on The US Commission for the Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad. I am grateful to Senator Schumer for giving me this opportunity."

The U.S. Commission for the Preservation of America’s Heritage Abroad is an independent agency comprised of 21 members. The commission has two core missions: to identify and report on cemeteries, monuments and historic buildings in Eastern and Central Europe that are associated with the heritage of U.S. citizens, particularly endangered properties; and to obtain, in cooperation with the Department of State, assurances from the governments of the region that the properties will be protected and preserved.

Photo: Sen. Chuck Schumer's Office