Jewish American Heritage Month, 2020

Proclamation 10017 of April 29, 2020

Jewish American Heritage Month, 2020

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

In 1654, the first Jewish settlers arrived in New
Amsterdam, present day New York City, seeking the
freedom to practice their faith. In the centuries
since, Jewish Americans have contributed in countless
ways to our country's culture and character. From the
arts and sciences to business and public service,
nearly every facet of our society has benefitted from
the talent, inspiration, vision, expertise, ingenuity,
and sacrifice of Jewish Americans. We honor their
spirit and resiliency during Jewish American Heritage
Month and celebrate the myriad of ways they enrich our
country and the world.

Throughout history, the Jewish people have demonstrated
an unbreakable spirit, overcoming suffering, cruel
oppression, violence, and bigotry. Tragically, Jewish
men, women, and children continue to face anti-Semitic
discrimination, persecution, and violence today, and
Jewish institutions and places of worship remain
targets of vandalism and destruction. Our country has
wept too many times in the aftermaths of horrific
attacks, including last April when a murderer opened
fire in a synagogue in Poway, California, taking
innocent life and shattering families in a cowardly
display of evil. Such unconscionable acts are an
abomination to all decent and compassionate people.
Hatred is intolerable and has no place in our hearts or
in our society. We must therefore vigorously confront
anti-Semitic discrimination and violence against
members of the Jewish community. That is why I signed
an Executive Order last December, bolstering my
Administration's efforts to combat the rise of anti-
Semitism in the United States and build a culture of
respect, humanity, and equality.

This month, we reaffirm our commitment to never
compromise our steadfast support for the Jewish
community, our rejection of anti-Semitic bigotry, and
our disdain for malicious attacks of hatred. Jewish
Americans strengthen, sustain, and inspire our country
through dedication to family, respect for cherished
traditions, and commitment to the values of justice and
equality that unite Americans of every faith and
background. We give thanks for the profound
contributions that Jewish Americans continue to make to
our society, and way of life.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the
United States, do hereby proclaim May 2020 as Jewish
American Heritage Month. I call upon Americans to
celebrate the heritage and contributions of American
Jews and to observe this month with appropriate
programs, activities, and ceremonies.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twenty-ninth day of April, in the year of our Lord two
thousand twenty, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and forty-fourth.