U.S. President Donald Trump declared May “Jewish American Heritage Month,” marking the 12th year of the celebration of Jewish Americans.
“Jewish Americans have helped guide the moral character of our Nation,” the proclamation stated. “They have maintained a strong commitment to engage deeply in American society while also preserving their historic values and traditions. Their passion for social justice and showing kindness to strangers is rooted in the beliefs that God created all people in his image, and that we all deserve dignity and peace.”
He praised Jewish Americans for their contributions in building public service and educational institutions, and taking part in critical civil-rights activism—actions that “have made the world a better place.”
He also lauded the Jewish community for their “enduring tradition of generosity,” which has led them to act as “a ‘light until the nations’ ” with philanthropic and humanitarian projects, as well as major achievements in science and medicine.
Jewish American Heritage Month began under President George W. Bush in 2006 and has been continued by all presidents since.
The month includes events featuring impactful Jewish Americans, reflections on the Holocaust and honors Jewish contributions to all parts of Jewish society, including literature, music, cinema and the arts.
Unlike previous presidents, Trump has not hosted related receptions at the White House, though his 2017 proclamation stated that “this month, I celebrate with my family—including my daughter, Ivanka, my son-in-law, Jared, my grandchildren, and our extended family—the deep spiritual connection that binds, and will always bind, the Jewish people to the United States and its founding principles.”