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The Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) hosted a Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM) reception on Tuesday in Des Moines, bringing together 100 elected officials, community leaders, clergy, and students to honor the storied history of Iowa’s Jewish community and reinforce a shared commitment to fighting modern-day antisemitism.
The event, held at Terrace Hill under the banner of “Celebrating Jewish American Heritage in Iowa,” was highlighted by keynote remarks from Governor Kim Reynolds.
“Nearly 200 years have passed since the first Jewish settlers arrived in Iowa,” Governor Reynolds noted. “Here in America, they found the freedom they longed for — the right to practice their faith without fear and the privilege of pursuing happiness in peace.”
“But, for all this community received, it went on to give even more,” the governor added. “Over the years, Jewish Iowans have contributed to our culture, economy, and civic life. They have helped build our state into what it is today. And they have left a legacy of leadership and service to inspire generations to come.”
Governor Reynolds recalled her own efforts to secure and nurture Jewish life in Iowa since taking office back in 2017.
“Over the last nine years, this has meant blocking public funds from supporting the radical BDS movement, restoring the Holocaust memorial on our Capitol grounds, and adding Holocaust education to our social studies standards,” she said. “Last year, I was proud to issue an executive order condemning antisemitism on college campuses and ensuring accountability from our educational institutions.”
The winners of Iowa’s Jewish American Heritage Month Student Scholarship Contest, organized by CAM, were announced by Governor Reynolds.
“We aren’t just here to condemn antisemitism,” Governor Reynolds said. “We’re here to recognize the students who are building a better narrative. Through creative exploration of Jewish individuals who shaped America, led or partnered in advancing social causes, or contributed culturally to society, the contest winners have helped do exactly that.”
The contest winners were:
— Mallory Reister
— Meredith Sturm
— Sophia McColley
— Jayden Rasmussen
Iowa submit essays in three categories: Jewish Individuals Who Shaped America, Jewish Leadership & Partnership in Advancing Social Cause, and Jewish Ideas and Cultural Contributions to Society.
Speaking on behalf of the winners, Sturm said, “Learning about the Jewish community and learning about American history opened my eyes to a section of the history textbook that is not touched on very often. This scholarship is a perfect opportunity for all Iowa students to foster their curiosity and to be unafraid of learning something new.”
CAM Jewish American Heritage Project Director Lenore Zach stated, “Education is one of the most effective ways to fight hate. Education creates understanding, empathy, and connection — and tonight is a reflection of that mission in action.”
A similar JAHM student scholarship contest was led by CAM in Virginia last year.
Other speakers at Tuesday’s reception included Rabbi Neal Schuster of Temple B’nai Jeshurun in Des Moines and CAM Founder Adam Beren.
“Of all the nations that have ever existed on the face of this Earth, there has never been a place that has experienced greater blessing, or been a greater blessing, than this great nation, the United States of America,” Rabbi Schuster said. “A nation that, like the Jewish people, refuses to abandon its ways or beliefs. That, like Judaism, makes it possible to become part of it, but does not insist upon it. That, like Judaism, holds at its innermost heart the conviction that every human being is created equal and in the image and likeness of God, and is driven by the spirit that today is better than yesterday and tomorrow can be better than today. And that it is in our hands to make it so.”
Read more:
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds Launches Jewish American Heritage Month Student Creative Contest
