Obama proclaims Jewish American Heritage Month

Thursday, May 14, 2009 | by

In a proclamation signed May 12, President Barack Obama declared May to be Jewish American Heritage Month.

Obama writes that the Jewish American tradition “exemplifies the strength of the American immigrant tradition” and that “the focus on preserving traditions is a notable characteristic of Jewish culture.”

This is the fourth time a U.S. president has proclaimed May as Jewish American Heritage Month since Congress — spearheaded by Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) — passed resolutions urging that the month honor the contributions of Jewish Americans to the United States.

“Among the greatest contributions of the Jewish American community ... is the example they have set for all Americans,” Obama writes in the eight-paragraph, 522-word proclamation.

“They have demonstrated that Americans can choose to maintain cultural traditions while honoring the principles and beliefs that bind them together as Americans. Jewish American history demonstrates how America’s diversity enriches and strengthens us all.” — jta