The state of Oregon is suing the federal government to prevent federal agents from arresting city residents who are protesting against racism and police brutality. Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum, who is Jewish, says that federal agents have literally grabbed people off the streets without a warrant or explanation. Mayor Ted Wheeler called the actions “a direct threat to our democracy.” It is believed that the involvement of Homeland Security agents and U.S. marshals is a political ploy by the Trump administration. Portland has a long history of civic involvement by Jews, including five Jews who have served as mayor of the city, most recently when Vera Katz held that office from 1992-2004. The first Jewish mayor of Portland was Bernard Goldsmith, who served from 1869–1871. Goldsmith was born in Bavaria and emigrated to New York City at age 5. He eventually moved to California and started a jewelry store, and in 1861 he moved to Portland where he opened a retail store with some of his brothers. Which of the following is true about Bernard Goldsmith?

Portland, Oregon - Old Town by Colin Durfee is licensed under CC BY 2.0

A. Goldsmith was one of the first directors of the Library Association of Portland, founded in 1864. The association’s directors declared that “the library should forever be kept free of politics.”

B. As mayor of Portland, one of Goldsmith’s focuses was on making the city a livable space. He brought about the purchase of 40 acres of land for a park, which later expanded to more than 400 acres, now known as Washington Park. He also pushed for an ordinance that required business owners to plant shade trees along the street in front of their shops.

C. Goldsmith served as a cavalry officer in the Indian Wars in California and Oregon in 1855-1856. He prevented renewed fighting by personally intervening and bringing complaints from Indian leaders to the superintendent for Indian affairs in San Francisco.

D. Goldsmith was the driving force behind the plan to build locks on the Willamette River, enabling boats to sail from the Pacific Ocean to Eugene, Oregon, which led to  greatly reduced cost for commercial shipping. When the project was hit by cost overruns, Goldsmith contributed $200,000 of his own funds to allow the project to be completed.

E. Goldsmith was the driving force behind the plan to fish for lox on the Willamette River, enabling Jewish appetizing stores to be built from the Pacific Ocean to Eugene, Oregon, which led to  greatly reduced cost for Sunday brunch. When the project was hit by cost overruns, Goldsmith contributed 200,000 bagels from his own funds to allow the project to be completed.

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