(Washington, DC) -- May 2007 marks the second annual national recognition of Jewish American Heritage Month, a month devoted to the cultural contributions of American Jews. Jewish American Heritage Month was proclaimed for the first time last year by the President following the passage of legislation in the House of Representatives by Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz and in the Senate by Sen. Arlen Specter (PA).
"It gives me great pride to have played a role in the creation of a month devoted to recognizing the important role American Jews have played in the history of the United States," said Rep. Wasserman Schultz.
Because Jews make up only two percent of our nation's population, most Americans have had few interactions with Jews and our traditions. Jewish American Heritage Month seeks to provide a framework for the discussion of Jewish culture and contributions to the United States, which in-turn, should reduce the ignorance that ultimately leads to anti-Semitism.
"Through a better understanding of Jewish culture, Jewish American Heritage Month will not only influence Americans' perspective of Jews, but all minorities as well," said Rep. Wasserman Schultz. "It is my wish that the creation of Jewish American Heritage Month will serve as a catalyst for educators and others to further the understanding of the role that Jews have played in American history."
In December of 2006, Rep. Wasserman Schultz hosted a meeting to move Jewish American Heritage Month forward in the spirit in which it was formed. At the conclusion of this meeting, a coalition of Jewish Organizations formed the Jewish American Heritage Month Coalition (www.jewishheritage.us). This coalition will plan and ensure implementation of programs and activities to educate the public about the American Jewish community's contributions to the history, heritage, and culture of the United States.
"It is my belief that in order to institutionalize Jewish American Heritage Month around the country, Jewish communities must embrace this month through discussions and creative programming surrounding the month of May," said Rep. Wasserman Schultz.
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