In 2006, former President George W. Bush declared that May would be Jewish American Heritage Month. This May, President Barack Obama has continued the tradition of raising awareness of the Jewish contribution to the United States.
“The Jewish American story is an essential chapter of the American narrative,” Obama said. “It is one of refuge from persecution; of commitment to service, faith, democracy, and peace; and of tireless work to achieve success. As leaders in every facet of American life -- from athletics, entertainment, and the arts to academia, business, government, and our Armed Forces -- Jewish Americans have shaped our Nation and helped steer the course of our history. We are a stronger and more hopeful country because so many Jews from around the world have made America their home.”
The declaration of Jewish American Heritage Month is the result of a congressional initiative launched in 2005 by Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) and has been commemorate through several nation-wide educational programs sponsored by government agencies. This year’s Jewish American Heritage month is anticipated to be the most widely celebrated to date with events commemorating Jewish contributions in the fields of art, science, music, literature and others.
