Emma Lazarus was an American poet, best known for her poem 'The New Colossus', which is inscribed on the Statue of Liberty. She was born in New York City in 1849 and wrote many poems about Jewish culture and identity. Her poem 'Poet Lazarus' was written in 1883 and is a tribute to the Jewish people who had been persecuted throughout history. The poem speaks of the strength and resilience of the Jewish people and their ability to survive despite all odds.