WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Tim Scott (R-SC), Ben Cardin (D-MD), and Rick Scott (R-FL) are introducing a bipartisan resolution recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month, which celebrates the many contributions of Jewish Americans to the United States. The resolution also calls on elected officials, faith leaders, and civil society leaders to condemn and combat any and all acts of antisemitism. Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL-12), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-1), Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY-8), and David Kustoff (R-TN-8) introduced a companion resolution in the House.
“Jewish Americans have made countless contributions to our nation’s history, culture, and heritage that should be celebrated,” said Senator Rosen. “At a time of rising antisemitism, this resolution calls upon all Americans to learn more about the contributions of Jewish Americans, from medicine and science to sports, public and military service, entertainment, and more. Together, we can ensure the United States remains a nation where Jewish Americans can proudly and safely express their faith and identity.”
“Jewish Americans are a vibrant part of our nation’s history, and their extraordinary accomplishments have pushed America forward as a beacon of hope, faith, and freedom,” said Senator Tim Scott. “I am proud to stand with the Jewish community, especially as despicable, antisemitic hate is on the rise. We must reaffirm our commitment to not only calling out this hate, but crushing it wherever it rears its ugly head.”
“Jewish values, like Tikkun Olam or repairing the world, are an inherent part of what it means to be a Jew today,” said Senator Cardin. “This month is an opportunity to learn more about how Jewish Americans have been an important part of American society and celebrate the men and women who continue to contribute to our great nation. We also take time to examine the immense challenges facing modern Jewish Americans, and band with allies to eliminate hate and antisemitism wherever they appear.”
“I am proud to join my colleagues in recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month and honoring the wonderful contributions of Jewish Americans to our great nation,” said Senator Rick Scott. “While it is important to set aside this time to honor the Jewish people, we must also commit to standing resolutely with them every day while shining a light on and condemning anti-Semitism of any kind. In Florida, we are blessed to be home to many vibrant Jewish communities and I will continue my work with leaders at the local, state and federal level to support them and their right to live safely and pursue their American Dream.”
“At a time when antisemitic attitudes and stereotypes continue to be normalized and amplified, Jewish American Heritage Month reminds us of the Jewish American story, fueled by faith, resilience, and hope,” said Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League. “Thank you Senators Jacky Rosen, Ben Cardin, Tim Scott, and Rick Scott, and Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Hakeem Jeffries, David Kustoff, and Brian Fitzpatrick for introducing this bipartisan and bicameral resolution that celebrates the accomplishments of the American Jewish community, helps us build understanding and allyship, and pushes back on the dangerous rise of antisemitism.”
“May is Jewish American Heritage Month, a time to recognize the many contributions that American Jews have made to our nation,” said Julie Fishman Rayman, Senior Director of Policy and Political Affairs, American Jewish Committee. “The U.S. has many heritage months that celebrate the various communities that form the mosaic of our country; and by celebrating heritage months, we learn about one another, honor the richness of our diverse nation, and strengthen the fabric of American society. At a time of rising antisemitism and when an increasing number of American Jews feel unsafe, we applaud Senators Jacky Rosen, Tim Scott, Ben Cardin, and Rick Scott for leading this important resolution celebrating Jewish Americans and calling on us to work together to combat antisemitism.”
As co-founder of the Senate Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism, Senator Rosen has been leading the fight against antisemitism in the United States and around the world. Recently, Senator Rosen introduced the Holocaust Education and Antisemitism Lessons (HEAL) Act to strengthen Holocaust education at public schools. In 2020, Senator Rosen’s bipartisan Never Again Education Act was signed into law, establishing a federal fund through the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum to provide teachers with the resources and training necessary to teach students the important lessons of the Holocaust.
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