Below are talking points that elected officials can use when acknowledging Jewish American Heritage Month. 

Since 2006, May has been proclaimed by each sitting president as Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM). The United States has many heritage months that celebrate the various communities that form the mosaic of our country, including Black History Month, Women’s History month, Hispanic Heritage Month, and more. By celebrating heritage months, we learn about one another, we honor the richness of our diverse nation.

Since the first Jews settled here in 1654, Jewish Americans have contributed in countless ways to their communities and this nation as loyal and patriotic citizens. They have served in government and the military, they have won Nobel prizes, headed universities and corporations, advanced medicine, created and performed in enduring works of art, written great American novels, become emblems of justice as members of the Supreme Court, and so much more.

At a moment when Jewish Americans are particularly vulnerable amidst a dramatic rise in global antisemitism following Hamas’s October 7 attacks against Israel - the worst massacre of the Jewish people since the Holocaust - we cannot think of a more important time to elevate and celebrate the contributions of Jews to our society. Jewish American Heritage Month reminds all Americans that Jews are now, and have always been, an important and central part of the fabric of American society

In May 2023, the U.S. Administration released the first ever U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism. In this whole-of-society approach to countering Jew-hatred, the very first pillar aims to broaden appreciation of Jewish American heritage. In fact, Jewish American Heritage is referenced 16 times throughout the strategy. The Administration has made it abundantly clear that lifting up Jewish American heritage is crucial to countering antisemitism.

AJC’s State of Antisemitism in America 2023 Report found that more than 70% of Americans had not heard of Jewish American Heritage Month. Lifting up American heritage can play a critical role in preventing and addressing antisemitism and celebrating American diversity.

While we are confident that you have strong connections with Jews and Jewish institutions in your area, including with American Jewish Committee (AJC), we offer the following resources about Jewish historical contributions to each state. If we can provide additional resources, please let us know.

State by state - resources on Jewish history and contributions: 

AJC Celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month
Jewish American Heritage Month Media Toolkit for Elected Officials
Jewish boy with kippah
What is Jewish American Heritage Month?
Jewish family lighting candles
Who Are the Jews?
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