Washington, DC - Congressman Ed Towns (D-Brooklyn) was recognized today for his efforts to bridge the gap between different racial and ethnic groups by fostering a greater understanding among all people with different backgrounds.   In an event sponsored by the World Jewish Congress -- The American Section, the National Council of La Raza and NAACP, Towns received the Congressional Racial Harmony Award from The Foundation for Ethnic Understanding.

"It is a tremendous honor to receive an award that deals with such an important subject," said Towns.  "While we may have some small differences on the outside or hold different religious beliefs, at heart we are all one people.  We must remember that our diversity is one of our greatest strengths in overcoming the social and moral injustices facing people here in the United States and around the world."

Launched in 1989, this was the sixth annual awards presented by the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding, which has numerous programs throughout the country to strengthen intergroup relations and teach tolerance.  The Foundation has produced curriculum guides called Share Dreams for schools and colleges with the United Negro College Fund and Hillell, public service announcements condemning anti-semitism and a web site to commemorate and publicize Martin Luther King Jr. 

"In the midst of the 40th anniversary of the historic Civil Rights Act, it is quite appropriate that we come together to recognize our shared struggles for human dignity," said Towns.  "The current genocide going on in the Sudan demonstrates once again, that we must all work together to fight injustice.

"As Martin Luther King Jr. reminded us, 'I cannot be what I ought to be until the world is what it should be,'" Towns continued.  So I will continue to work in the Brooklyn community, New York City, and the United States Congress to promote tolerance and understanding here and abroad."

In addition to Towns, four other members of Congress were honored for their work to promote ethnic and racial understanding, including members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Jewish Congressional Delegation, and the Asian Pacific American Caucus.  Russell Simmons, Chairman of the Foundation, and Rabbi Schneir, President of the Foundation, both of New York,  were on hand to present the awards.    

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