[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 126, 112th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8813--MAY 2, 2012

Proclamation 8813 of May 2, 2012

Jewish American Heritage Month, 2012

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Three hundred and fifty-eight years ago, a band of 23 Jewish refugees
fled Recife, Brazil, beset by bigotry and oppression. For them, receding
shores marked the end of another chapter of persecution for a people
that had been tested from the moment they came together and professed
their faith. Yet, they also marked a new beginning. When those men,
women, and children landed in New Amsterdam--what later became New York
City--they found not only safe haven, but early threads of a tradition
of freedom and opportunity that would forever bind their story to the
American story.
Those 23 believers led the way for millions to follow. During the next
three centuries, Jews around the world set out to build new lives in
America--a land where prosperity was possible, where parents could give
their children more than they had, where families would no longer fear
the specter of violence or exile, but live their faith openly and
honestly. Even here, Jewish Americans bore the pains of hardship and
hostility; yet, through every obstacle, generations carried with them
the deep conviction that a better future was within their reach. In
adversity and in success, they turned to one another, renewing the
tradition of community, moral purpose, and shared struggle so integral
to their identity.
Their history of unbroken perseverance and their belief in tomorrow's
promise offers a lesson not only to Jewish Americans, but to all
Americans. Generations of Jewish Americans have brought to bear some of
our country's greatest achievements and forever enriched our national
life. As a product of heritage and faith, they have helped open our eyes
to injustice, to people in need, and to the simple idea that we might


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recognize ourselves in the struggles of our fellow men and women. These
principles led Jewish advocates to fight for women's equality and
workers' rights, and to preach against racism from the bimah; they
inspired many to lead congregants on marches to stop segregation, help
forge unbreakable bonds with the State of Israel, and uphold the ideal
of ``tikkun olam''--our obligation to repair the world. Jewish Americans
have served heroically in battle and inspired us to pursue peace, and
today, they stand as leaders in communities across our Nation.
More than 300 years after those refugees first set foot in New
Amsterdam, we celebrate the enduring legacy of Jewish Americans--of the
millions who crossed the Atlantic to seek out a better life, of their
children and grandchildren, and of all whose belief and dedication
inspires them to achieve what their forebears could only imagine. Our
country is stronger for their contributions, and this month, we
commemorate the myriad ways they have enriched the American experience.
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 2012 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 second day of May,
in the year two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.
BARACK OBAMA