PROCLAMATION
Declaring May 2024 as Jewish American Heritage Month
WHEREAS, from our Nation’s earliest days, Jewish Americans have been an essential part of the American story, greatly contributing to the religious, cultural, political, economic, and intellectual advancement of all people even while in the face of discrimination and adversity, working to realize the American dream; and
WHEREAS, as we celebrate the rich heritage of the Jewish American community, in Contra Costa County, California and the nation, we recognize that American Jews have worked tirelessly to strengthen the promise of religious freedom and civil rights in the United States by joining together with all faiths to reject ignorance and intolerance, teach empathy and compassion, and root out hatred wherever it exists, and through our understanding and study of the Holocaust, we know the human devastation that can come from systemic prejudice, and are compelled to “never forget”; and
WHEREAS, May has been recognized as Jewish American Heritage Month by Presidential Proclamation stating that The Jewish American experience is a story of faith, fortitude, and progress, and
WHEREAS, in spite of the vibrant and diverse culture and contributions, we are reminded that the Jewish people have and continue to experience prejudice and discrimination in Contra Costa County, within the State of California, across the United States, and internationally, and continue to confront bigotry, hostility and unprovoked violence; and
WHEREAS, antisemitism in the U.S., already on the rise before, has increased over 300% from 2022 to 2023 after the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7th, 2023, where educational, religious, political and community institutions are being targeted,[1] and seeing a similar and unprecedented rise of antisemitic incidents in the Bay Area before the attack, also surging after October 7th, and with more than half of Bay Areas Jews surveyed between November 21 and December 6, 2023 mentioning antisemitism, discrimination or safety as the most important problem facing Jews today, compared with 37 percent from last year.[2]
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that we share the obligation and responsibility to condemn and combat rising anti-Semitism and hatred wherever it exists and honor Jewish Americans — past and present — who have inextricably woven their experience and their accomplishments into the fabric of our national identity.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County recognizes May 2024 as Jewish American Heritage Month. We celebrate the hard-fought progress won through the struggle and sacrifice of Jewish Americans, and we rededicate ourselves to building a world where all diversity is respected, valued and protected.
Renee Zeimer, Elected representative, District 2
Joy Pinsky, Alternate representative, District 4
Approved by the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County, April 18, 2024
[1] U.S. Antisemitic Incidents Skyrocketed 360% in Aftermath of Attack in Israel, according to Latest ADL Data, Published: 01.09.2024, Updated: 01.17.2024
[2] Most Bay Area Jews are more fearful since Oct. 7, survey finds, by Maya Mirsky, December 21, 2023, The Jewish News of Northern California