Dear X,
I am reaching out on behalf of American Jewish Committee (AJC), the global advocacy organization for the Jewish people, to invite you to join us in celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM) this May. AJC has useful resources to share, including a handy one-page reference guide to Jewish religion and culture, and a three-session educational series for institutions of higher education that can help bring greater awareness and sensitivity to your campus. I hope you’ll use these materials and encourage others on your campus to consult them!
American heritage months celebrate the communities that form the mosaic of our country, including Black History Month, Women’s History Month, National Hispanic Heritage Month, and more. By recognizing heritage months, we learn about one another, honor the richness of our diverse nation, and strengthen the fabric of American society.
May was first proclaimed Jewish American Heritage Month in April 2006 by President George W. Bush. Since 2007, Presidents Bush, Obama, Trump, and Biden have all issued proclamations for Jewish American Heritage Month, which celebrate Jewish Americans and encourage all Americans to learn more about Jewish heritage and contributions to the United States. At a time when American Jews, particularly on college campuses, are feeling vulnerable amidst a rise in antisemitism, we cannot think of a more important time to celebrate the contributions of Jews to our society.
AJC is reaching out to universities across the country to elevate acknowledgment of the unique contributions of American Jews to our country. There are many ways to mark Jewish American Heritage Month:
- Publicity: Announce to members of the campus community and alumni, and through institutional social media channels, that your college/university community is celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month.
- Cultural Displays: Prominently display artifacts, artworks, and literature related to Jewish American heritage. This can be as simple as a display of books by and about Jewish Americans in a campus library to a more expansive exhibition in collaboration with a local museum, cultural center, or historical society.
- Film Screenings: Screen documentaries or films highlighting Jewish American history or culture. Follow up with discussions or Q&A sessions to deepen understanding and promote dialogue.
- Guest Speakers and Panels: Invite guest speakers, scholars, activists, or community leaders to conduct lectures, panels, or seminars on Jewish American history, identity, and social issues.
- Multicultural Events: Collaborate with other cultural and religious groups to organize multicultural events celebrating diversity and promoting intercultural exchange. Highlight commonalities and shared values among different communities.
Thank you in advance for your partnership in celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month.
Sincerely,
[Name and Title of Sender]
American Jewish Committee (AJC) is the global advocacy organization for the Jewish people. We work to shape a brighter future by taking on the toughest challenges and pursuing the most transformative opportunities. Through our unparalleled global network that spans six continents—including 25 regional offices across the United States—AJC engages with leaders at the highest levels of government and civil society to counter antisemitism, open new doors for Israel, and advance democratic values. To learn more about AJC, visit AJC.org.
