HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-05-22 - Jewish American Heritage MonthProclamation
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Lydia Kou
Mayor
JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
WHEREAS, Jewish Americans have been an important part of the American story and have greatly
contributed to all areas of American life and culture since our nation’s earliest days; and
WHEREAS, on April 20, 2006, the Federal Government proclaimed May as Jewish American Heritage Month,
stating, “As a nation of immigrants, the United States is better and stronger because Jewish people from all over
the world have chosen to become American citizens,” and, since then, proclamations in support of Jewish
American Heritage Month have been made by Presidents of the United States annually; and
WHEREAS, generations of Jews have fled to the United States in search of a better life for themselves and
their families, and these immigrants made invaluable contributions in support of equality and civil rights through
their leadership and achievements; and
WHEREAS, Jewish Americans connect to their Jewish identity in a variety of ways, such as culturally,
ethnically, religiously and by following Jewish ethics and values; and
WHEREAS, Jewish Americans are racially, ethnically, socially, politically and economically diverse, with
approximately 12-15 percent of Jews in the United States being individuals of color; and
WHEREAS, in the Bay Area around 25 percent of Bay Area Jewish households include a person of color, and
this increases to nearly 40 percent of households if the head of the household is younger than 35; and
WHEREAS, in recent years, Jewish Americans have increasingly experienced antisemitism, including but not
limited to physical attacks, vandalism, verbal and physical harassment, and hateful comments posted on social
media; and
WHEREAS, City of Palo Alto shares an obligation to condemn and combat antisemitism wherever it exists,
to include Jewish Americans in all facets of civic life, and to stand with the Jewish American community against
hatred or bigotry in our city and country; and
WHEREAS, there is a need for education and policies that are culturally competent when describing,
discussing, or addressing the impacts of being Jewish in all aspects of American society, including discourse
and policy; and
WHEREAS, we celebrate the rich and diverse heritage of the Jewish American community, including those
who live, work and play in City of Palo Alto, and;
WHEREAS, we recognize Jewish American commitment to civic engagement and how City of Palo Alto has
been enriched by local Jewish institutions and synagogues.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Palo Alto hereby declares the month of May as Jewish
American Heritage Month in appreciation of the achievements and contributions made by members of the Jewish
community. City of Palo Alto Council calls upon all residents to celebrate Jewish Americans who have woven
the fabric of our country and community and supports opportunities to learn more about Jewish American history
and culture.
THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that City of Palo Alto will continue efforts to confront
antisemitism and other forms of hate impacting the Jewish community, support local education about the diversity
of our Jewish American community, and integrate Jewish American culture into future programs, activities, and
ceremonies throughout the year.
Presented: May 22, 2023