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In a joint statement published on Monday supporting Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM), all 27 U.S. Republican governors denounced antisemitism and reiterated their solidarity with Israel.
“America’s Governors once again unite to celebrate Jewish American Heritage during the month of May,” the Republican Governors Association (RGA) statement — which was facilitated by the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) — said. “Since our nation’s founding 250 years ago, Jewish people have played an important role in America’s story — seeking refuge on our shores, helping build the greatest country on earth, and furthering American values of family, faith, and freedom. From the arts to the sciences, entrepreneurship and innovation, and public service in and out of uniform, we celebrate the legacy and contributions of our Jewish brothers and sisters as fellow Americans.”
The statement concluded, “At a time when antisemitism is on the rise globally and here at home, we reaffirm our commitment to protect the rights of Jewish people to live in peace and safety in our schools, workplaces, and communities. We continue to stand with the Nation of Israel, as America has for almost 80 years, and renew our resolve for a lasting peace to the ongoing conflict.”
— The RGA (@GOPGovs) May 11, 2026
This marked the fourth year in a row the RGA issued a unanimous JAHM statement.
CAM thanks the RGA and the signatories for their recognition of JAHM and leadership in securing and celebrating Jewish life. Special appreciation goes to Tennessee Governor Bill Lee who, as RGA policy chair, spearheaded the JAHM initiative this year.
In 2006, Congress passed a bipartisan resolution urging “the President to issue each year a proclamation calling on state and local governments and the people of the United States to observe an American Jewish History Month.”
Shortly thereafter, then-President George W. Bush declared May as Jewish American Heritage Month.
Since then, successive presidents from both parties have all released annual JAHM proclamations, including the latest issued by President Donald Trump last week.
President Trump proclaimed May as Jewish American Heritage Month and called for a national Shabbat on May 15-16 honoring Jewish tradition. We are grateful for this important presidential recognition of Jewish contributions to U.S. society and the integral role Jews have played in… pic.twitter.com/RXsJEO0UJ3
— Combat Antisemitism Movement (@CombatASemitism) May 5, 2026
State, county, and municipal governments have begun to follow suit, recognizing JAHM and implementing relevant programs, ceremonies, and activities, and CAM has made a concerted nationwide push to get more to do so in recent years.
Last week, CAM officially kicked off its 2026 JAHM program at the “L’Chaim!” forum in Savannah, Georgia, attended by 50 mayors from across the country. All participants signed a pledge to mark JAHM in their cities this year.
Later this month, CAM will host its annual JAHM congressional breakfast at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., bringing together senators, representatives, and staff members for a bipartisan celebration of Jewish heritage.
Read more:
CAM Welcomes Bipartisan US Congressional Resolution Recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month
