Proclamation
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, President George W. Bush p roclaimed 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, generations of Jews have fled to the United States in search of a better life for themselves and their families, and these immigrants made invalua ble contributions in support of equality and civil rights through their leadership and achievements; and
Whereas, Jewish Americans connect to their Jewish identity in a variety of ways, such as culturally, ethnically, and religiously; and
Whereas, Jewish Americans are racially, ethnically, socially, politically and economically diverse, and approximately 25 percent of Bay Area Jewish households include a person of color, increasing to nearly 40 percent of households where the head of the household is younger than 35; and
Whereas, in 2022 Jewish Americans faced a dramatic rise in antisemitic incidents —36% higher than in 2021— including, but not limited to physical attacks, vandalism, verbal and physical harassment, and hateful comments posted on social media; and
Whereas, the City of Alameda 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, we celebrate the rich and diverse heritage of the Jewish American community, including those who live, work and play in Alameda.
Now, therefore be it resolved , that I, Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft, Mayor of the City of Alameda on behalf of the Alameda City Council, hereby declare the month of May as Jewish American Heritage Month in appreciation of the achievements and contributions made by members of the Jewish community and call 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.
Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft
Mayor, City of Alameda