Jewish American Heritage Month, 2011

Proclamation 8660 of April 29, 2011

Jewish American Heritage Month, 2011

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Since before our Nation's founding, America's shores
have been a safe harbor for people seeking shelter,
hope, and new lives free from persecution. Here, people
of all faiths have broken bread, come together, and
built a better future for their families. The Jewish
story is intertwined with the American story--one of
overcoming great hardship, and one of commitment to
building a more just world. This month, we embrace and
celebrate the vast contributions Jewish Americans have
made to our country.

Seeking a brighter future, a small band of Jewish
refugees came to this land more than three centuries
ago, to a place called New Amsterdam. Hundreds of years
later, as Holocaust survivors and families caught
behind the Iron Curtain made their way to America,
their perseverance in the face of unimaginable tragedy
inspired the world and proved that the Jewish people
will not be defeated. Many endured bigotry even here,
reminding us that we must continue to fight prejudice
and violence at home and around the globe. In this
spirit, President Truman recognized the small,
fledgling nation of Israel within minutes of its
creation. To this day, we continue to foster an
unbreakable partnership with Israel, and we remain
committed to pursuing peace in the region and ensuring
Israel's security.

From those first days in New Amsterdam, Jewish
Americans have dedicated their innovation, creativity,
and hearts to the greater good--contributing scientific
accomplishments, pioneering works of literature and
musical genius, and performing distinguished service in
our Nation's military. Jewish Americans have defended
our country since the days of the American Revolution
as devoted service members and chaplains, and they
continue to serve with distinction in our Armed Forces.

Nearly 70 years ago, during World War II, the U.S.A.T.
Dorchester suffered an explosion at sea while carrying
almost a thousand soldiers and civilian workers. On
board were four Army chaplains--two Protestant, one
Catholic, and one Jewish. While the ship sank, the four
chaplains gave their own life jackets to four men
without any, calmed the wounded, and preached strength
to the survivors, linking arms and praying together as
the ship submerged. In a time of great need, these
chaplains showed that their shared commitment to the
lives of others was stronger than any division of faith
or background.

This same spirit is found in the countless Jewish
Americans who, through their every day actions, work to
provide a better life for future generations by joining
hands with all who seek equality and progress. This
month, we remember that the history and unique identity
of Jewish Americans is part of the grand narrative of
our country, forged in the friendships and shared
wisdom between people of different faiths.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, 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 2011 as Jewish
American Heritage Month. I call upon all Americans to
visit

www.JewishHeritageMonth.gov to learn more about the
heritage and contributions of Jewish Americans 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 two thousand
eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of
America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.