First-ever Bipartisan, Bicameral Jewish American Heritage Month Resolution Introduced in Congress

First-ever Bipartisan, Bicameral Jewish American Heritage Month Resolution Introduced in Congress

Encourages everyone to learn how Jewish Americans shaped our history

Washington D.C. – Today, U.S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) and David Kustoff (TN-08) joined Sens. Jacky Rosen (NV-D), Tim Scott (SC-R), Ben Cardin (MD-D), and Rick Scott (FL-R) to introduce the first-ever bipartisan, bicameral Jewish American Heritage Month Resolution to recognize the significant contributions of Jewish Americans to the society and culture of the United States.

“As we celebrate the 17th year of Jewish American Heritage Month, we open the doors of understanding to everyone about all the remarkable contributions that generations of Jewish Americans have made to shape our nation’s history, culture and society,” said Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz. “From medicine and entertainment, to fighting for civil rights and equality, this community helped America to become that more perfect union. This month is also one of the most effective ways to combat rising antisemitism, as Jews and non-Jews alike come to learn about all the amazing Jewish Americans who served in government and the military, won Nobel prizes, led universities and corporations, made lifesaving medical discoveries, authored great American novels, and worked to further and share America’s noble experiment in democracy.”

“The story of America cannot be told without recognizing the contributions our Jewish brothers and sisters have made to enrich our history, values and culture, as well as their struggle for freedom and justice. Just like in generations past, Jewish communities across the United States and around the world are experiencing a despicable rise in antisemitism,” said Leader Jeffries. Jewish American Heritage Month provides us the opportunity to recognize the impact Jewish Americans have made throughout generations. This resolution will also help ensure that communities across the United States come together and aggressively push back against antisemitism whenever and wherever it is found. I am grateful to Representatives Wasserman Schultz, Fitzpatrick and Kustoff for introducing this important legislation in the House.”

“The American Jewish community has made immeasurable contributions to our nation’s history and culture,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “As co-chair of the Bipartisan Task Force for Combatting Antisemitism, I am committed to recognizing the accomplishments of the Jewish community and fighting against Antisemitism. I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing the first-ever Jewish American Heritage Month Resolution to appropriately commemorate the important contributions that the community has given to our nation.”

“Jewish values, like Tikkun Olam or repairing the world, are an inherent part of what it means to be a Jew today,” said Senator Cardin. “This month is an opportunity to learn more about how Jewish Americans have been an important part of American society and celebrate the men and women who continue to contribute to our great nation. We also take time to examine the immense challenges facing modern Jewish Americans, and band with allies to eliminate hate and antisemitism wherever they appear.”

“I am proud to join my colleagues in recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month and honoring the wonderful contributions of Jewish Americans to our great nation. While it is important to set aside this time to honor the Jewish people, we must also commit to standing resolutely with them every day while shining a light on and condemning anti-Semitism of any kind,” said Senator Rick Scott. “In Florida, we are blessed to be home to many vibrant Jewish communities and I will continue my work with leaders at the local, state and federal level to support them and their right to live safely and pursue their American Dream.”

“Jewish Americans are a vibrant part of our nation’s history, and their extraordinary accomplishments have pushed America forward as a beacon of hope, faith, and freedom,” said Senator Tim Scott. “I am proud to stand with the Jewish community, especially as despicable, antisemitic hate is on the rise. We must reaffirm our commitment to not only calling out this hate, but crushing it wherever it rears its ugly head.”

“Jewish Americans have made countless contributions to our nation’s history, culture, and heritage that should be celebrated,” said Senator Rosen. “At a time of rising antisemitism, this resolution calls upon all Americans to learn more about the contributions of Jewish Americans, from medicine and science to sports, public and military service, entertainment, and more. Together, we can ensure the United States remains a nation where Jewish Americans can proudly and safely express their faith and identity.”

The United States observes Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM) annually each May to encourage all Americans to learn more about Jewish culture and pay tribute to the generations of Jewish Americans who have helped shape American history. With antisemitism on the rise in our country, fueled by the spread of hatred, disinformation, and Holocaust distortion online, JAHM provides an opportunity to celebrate Jewish voices and bring together all of our communities in the fight against antisemitism and hate.

JAHM was first introduced as a resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives by Wasserman Schultz, and in the U.S. Senate by the late Arlen Specter in 2006. Passing unanimously, it was then established by presidential proclamation and has since been renewed every May by Presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and Joseph Biden. While resolutions to recognize this month have been introduced separately in each chamber, this marks the first time that bipartisan, bicameral resolutions are being introduced in both the Senate and House.

“At a time when antisemitic attitudes and stereotypes continue to be normalized and amplified, Jewish American Heritage Month reminds us of the Jewish American story, fueled by faith, resilience, and hope. Thank you Senators Jacky Rosen, Ben Cardin, Tim Scott, and Rick Scott, and Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Hakeem Jeffries, David Kustoff, and Brian Fitzpatrick for introducing this bipartisan and bicameral resolution that celebrates the accomplishments of the American Jewish community, helps us build understanding and allyship, and pushes back on the dangerous rise of antisemitism,” said Jonathan Greenblatt, Anti-Defamation League CEO.

“May is Jewish American Heritage Month, a time to recognize the many contributions that American Jews have made to our nation. The U.S. has many heritage months that celebrate the various communities that form the mosaic of our country; and by celebrating heritage months, we learn about one another, honor the richness of our diverse nation, and strengthen the fabric of American society. At a time of rising antisemitism and when an increasing number of American Jews feel unsafe, we applaud Reps. Wasserman Schultz, Fitzpatrick, Jeffries, and Kustoff for leading this important resolution celebrating Jewish Americans and calling on us to work together to combat antisemitism,” said Julie Fishman Rayman, Senior Director of Policy and Political Affairs, American Jewish Committee.