HomeMy WebLinkAboutHR Proclamation Supporting Jewish American Heritage Month
City of San Rafael
Proclamation in Recognition of
Jewish American Heritage Month, 2023
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, 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, and
around 25 percent of Bay Area Jewish households include a person of color, increasing to nearly
40 percent of households if the head of the household is younger than 35; and
WHEREAS, in recent years Jewish Americans faced a dramatic rise in antisemitic incidents—including but not
limited to physical attacks, vandalism, verbal and physical harassment, and hateful comments
posted on social media, and
WHEREAS, The City of San Rafael 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 San Rafael, and;
WHEREAS, we recognize Jewish American commitment to civic engagement and how San Rafael has been
enriched by local Jewish institutions and synagogues.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of San Rafael 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. The Mayor and City Council calls upon all residents to celebrate Jewish Americans who have woven
the fabric of our country and community, and support opportunities to learn more about Jewish American history
and culture.
THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that San Rafael 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.
Kate Colin
Mayor