[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 129, 114th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9261 of April 30, 2015

Jewish American Heritage Month, 2015

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

From our Nation's earliest days, Jewish Americans have been a critical
part of our story. In the face of unspeakable discrimination and
adversity, they have fought tirelessly to realize their piece of the
American dream and the promise of our founding, holding tight to the
belief that a better day lies ahead. Their relentless spirit and
remarkable achievements have enriched our country, stirred our
conscience, and challenged us to extend the miracles of freedom and
security. This month, we honor the vast contributions Jewish Americans
have made to our world, and we recommit to standing up for the
traditions we believe in and the values we share.
As we celebrate the rich heritage of the Jewish American community, it
is impossible to separate their accomplishments from the struggles of
Jewish people around the world. American Jews have worked to strengthen
the promise of religious freedom because their ancestors were tested
from the moment they came together and professed their faith. Today,
they continue to teach us empathy and compassion, inspired by the
lessons of their parents and grandparents who knew how it felt to be a
stranger, and to stand up for a more perfect Union for all--relentlessly
pursuing tikkun olam--because they have always understood that we must
recognize ourselves in the struggles of our fellow man.
This year, Jewish American Heritage Month begins as the world
commemorates the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Dachau by
American soldiers, and we are once again reminded that the vibrant
culture of the Jewish people has not always been embraced. As tragic
events show us all too often, Jewish communities continue to confront
hostility and bigotry, including in America. Our Nation shares an
obligation to condemn and combat anti-Semitism and hatred wherever it
exists, and we remain committed to standing against the ugly tide of
anti-

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Semitism in all its forms, including in the denial or trivialization of
the Holocaust.
In celebrating the contributions of the Jewish people to the progress of
our country, we also reaffirm America's unwavering commitment to the
security of the State of Israel and the close bonds between our two
nations and our peoples.
For centuries, Jews have reached for the blessings of freedom and
opportunity in the United States. Today--as pillars of their families
and leaders in their communities--Jewish Americans represent a link in
an unbroken chain of perseverance. During Jewish American Heritage
Month, we celebrate the hard-fought progress won through struggle and
sacrifice, and we rededicate ourselves to building a world where
diversity is cherished and faith is protected.
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 2015 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 thirtieth day of
April, in the year two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth.
BARACK OBAMA