The Jew is neither a newcomer nor an alien in this country or on this continent; his Americanism is as original and ancient as that of any race or people with the exception of the American Indian and other aborigines. He came in the caravels of Columbus, and he knocked at the gates of New Amsterdam only thirty-five years after the Pilgrim Fathers stepped ashore on Plymouth Rock.

Summary

This quote emphasizes the long-standing presence of Jews in America, highlighting that they are neither foreign nor recent arrivals. It asserts that the American identity of Jews is as deep-rooted and historical as that of any other race, except indigenous groups. It mentions their arrival alongside Columbus and their presence in New Amsterdam soon after the Pilgrim Fathers landed on Plymouth Rock. By doing so, this quote aims to counter stereotypes and emphasize the integral role of Jews in shaping American society and history.

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