TOWN OF FAIRFAX PROCLAMATION
JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
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 annually by United States Presidents; 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 invaluable 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, as well as by following Jewish ethics and values; and WHEREAS, Jewish Americans are racially, ethnically, socially, politically, and economically diverse, with approximately 25% of Bay Area Jewish households including a person of color, increasing to nearly 40% 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 physical attacks, vandalism, verbal and physical harassment, and hateful comments posted on social media; and
WHEREAS, Fairfax 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 town 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 Fairfax;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY PROCLAIMED by the Town Council of the Town of Fairfax that this month of May Two Thousand Twenty-Three is
Jewish American Heritage Month
in the Town of Fairfax in appreciation of the numerous contributions made by Jewish Americans, AND BE IT FURTHER PROCLAIMED, the Town Council of the Town of Fairfax supports and commends the diverse Jewish American community.
Signed and dated this 3rd day of May 2023,
________________________________
Chance Cutrano, Mayor of Fairfax
AGENDA ITEM #7