[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 87 (Thursday, May 5, 2011)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 25517-25518]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-11063]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 87 / Thursday, May 5, 2011 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 25517]]


                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

[[Page 25518]]

                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.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2011-11063
Filed 5-4-11; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-W1-P