May 23, 2023 — Bellevue, WA
American Jewish Committee (AJC), extends its gratitude to the City of Bellevue, WA, the City Council, Mayor Lynn Robinson and Deputy Mayor Jared Nieuwenhuis for this meaningful and important proclamation in honor of Jewish American Heritage Month
May is Jewish American Heritage Month, a great opportunity to celebrate the important contributions Jewish Americans have made to America.
The United States features and celebrates many communities through its Heritage Month designations. These are wonderful opportunities to learn more about one another, honoring communities, their unique histories, and contributions, that together comprise the beautiful tapestry of our country.
In 2006, President George W. Bush, declared May as Jewish American Heritage Month. Subsequent proclamations were issued by Presidents Obama, Trump, and Biden, that celebrate Jewish Americans, and encourage others to learn more about Jewish heritage and the impactful contributions to this country by Jewish Americans.
At a time when many American Jews are alarmed by the recent surge in antisemitism, this is a fitting time to recognize and celebrate the many positive contributions Jews have made in this country since the first group of Jews arrived in New Amsterdam in 1654.
For the past 369 years, Jewish Americans have positively contributed to this country as involved and patriotic citizens, grateful for the safe haven that America provided to many Jews escaping discrimination, persecution and genocide, the freedom to practice Judaism, and for plentiful opportunities.
Jewish Americans have and continue to serve in the military, as public officials, diplomats, Nobel prize winners, Supreme Court justices, at the helm of universities and corporations, advancing medicine and science, entertainment, performing and visual arts, and more.
View the full proclamation from the City of Bellevue here.
