Jewish American Heritage Month – May 2011

Jason Attermann — May 3, 2011 – 12:49 pm | Jewish American Heritage Month 2011 Comments (0) Add a comment

In 2006, congressional resolutions introduced by Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) and Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA) resulted in the establishment of Jewish American Heritage Month during the month of May as an official recognition of the historical and extensive Jewish contribution to American society over the past 350 years. According to the Jewish American Heritage Month website, May was selected “due to the highly successful celebration of the 350th Anniversary of American Jewish History in May 2004, which was organized by the Commission for Commemorating 350 Years of American Jewish History.”

President Obama issued a Presidential Proclamation to celebrate the history and accomplishments of Jewish Americans since the days before America’s independence. Obama discussed the core American principle of freedom of religion, a significant and personal value which allowed our Jewish ancestors to escape from persecution and find refuge in a land which celebrates freedom. Recognizing the unparalleled importance of Israel to the Jewish people, Obama reiterated his unwavering support for Israel’s security and the “unbreakable partnership” with the nation.

Many endured bigotry even here, reminding us that we must continue to fight prejudice and violence at home and around the globe. In this spirit, President Truman recognized the small, fledgling nation of Israel within minutes of its creation. To this day, we continue to foster an unbreakable partnership with Israel, and we remain committed to pursuing peace in the region and ensuring Israel’s security.

Jewish Americans have contributed to our great nation in a range of fields, including the sciences, arts, and armed service. The proclamation includes a powerful story from World War II to exemplify the absolute patriotism of Jewish Americans throughout American history.

Nearly 70 years ago, during World War II, the U.S.A.T. Dorchester suffered an explosion at sea while carrying almost a thousand soldiers and civilian workers.  On board were four Army chaplains two Protestant, one Catholic, and one Jewish. While the ship sank, the four chaplains gave their own life jackets to four men without any, calmed the wounded, and preached strength to the survivors, linking arms and praying together as the ship submerged. In a time of great need, these chaplains showed that their shared commitment to the lives of others was stronger than any division of faith or background.

This same spirit is found in the countless Jewish Americans who, through their every day actions, work to provide a better life for future generations by joining hands with all who seek equality and progress. This month, we remember that the history and unique identity of Jewish Americans is part of the grand narrative of our country, forged in the friendships and shared wisdom between people of different faiths.

Minority leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) also released a statement in recognition of Jewish American Heritage Month, celebrating the achievements of the Jewish community and the wide-spread impact on our nation.

Nearly every facet of American life bears the mark of Jewish values: to pursue justice and peace; to serve our neighbors and those in need; to seek the common good and to perfect our union and our world.

In this Jewish American Heritage Month, may we all take stock of these values, honor the acts and achievements of the Jewish community, and rededicate ourselves to the ideals at the center of our national success: pluralism, diversity, and religious liberty for all.

As part of NJDC’s observance of Jewish American Heritage Month, we will be posting a biography each day of 20 trailblazing Jewish Democrats from America’s history. The first biographies will be posted later today and a new biography will be posted each week day during May. You can see the release of each biography in real time by following NJDC on Twitter or liking NJDC on Facebook. 

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