H.R. 8282: Rabbi Michoel Ber Weissmandl Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2026

This bill, titled the Rabbi Michoel Ber Weissmandl Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2026, seeks to honor Rabbi Michoel Ber Weissmandl posthumously with a Congressional Gold Medal for his significant efforts to save the Jewish community during World War II. The bill outlines several key components and findings related to Rabbi Weissmandl's life and contributions:

Findings

The findings in the bill highlight the following:

• Rabbi Weissmandl was born in Hungary in 1903 and moved to Slovakia to study.
• He became an influential figure in the local Jewish community and Yeshiva in Nitra, Slovakia.
• During the Holocaust, he organized a group that raised funds to negotiate with authorities to delay deportations of Jews.
• He utilized his connections to secure visas for Jews and advocated for their protection.
• Weissmandl wrote letters and telegrams to raise awareness of the Holocaust and prompted active resistance, including air raids on railroads used for deportation.
• He documented the experiences of Auschwitz escapees in the Auschwitz Protocols.
• He played a crucial role in rescue efforts, including assisting in the Solomon Schoenfeld Kindertransport.
• After the war, Weissmandl established a Yeshiva for Holocaust survivors in New York, influencing Jewish educational communities in the U.S.

Presentation of the Medal

The bill authorizes the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange a presentation ceremony for the Congressional Gold Medal to Rabbi Weissmandl. The medal will be presented in recognition of his valor during World War II:

• The appropriate design of the medal will be determined by the Secretary of the Treasury.
• The Weissmandl Committee will be allowed to accept the medal on behalf of Rabbi Weissmandl.
• After the presentation, the medal will be given to a descendant of Rabbi Weissmandl.

Duplicates of the Medal

Under the bill, the Secretary of the Treasury is permitted to strike and sell bronze duplicates of the gold medal. The proceeds from these sales will cover the cost of manufacturing the duplicates.

Designation as a National Medal

The bill classifies the gold medal as a national medal, falling under specific regulations related to numismatic items, thereby acknowledging its significance and value as part of U.S. history.

Relevant Companies

None found.