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More than 200 U.S. municipalities officially proclaimed May as Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM) in 2025, with the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) actively promoting JAHM recognitions and celebrations in cities across the country.
In partnership with CAM, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria sent a letter to fellow city leaders in the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) earlier this year, urging them to initiate and participate in JAHM activities.
Over the month of May, CAM representatives participated in series of municipal JAHM ceremonies throughout the U.S, including in Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Miami, Aventura, Palm Bay, Pompano Beach, Sunny Isles, and Tamarac, as well as state-level events in New York, Kansas, and Virginia.
“We are profoundly grateful to the more than 200 mayors across the country who chose to recognize Jewish American Heritage Month this year,” said CAM Chief Government Affairs Officer Lisa Katz. “Their leadership sends a powerful message that Jewish history, culture, and contributions are an essential part of the great American story. At a time when antisemitism continues to rise, as manifested so horrifically on the streets of our nation’s capital last week, this collective show of solidarity from local leaders is both meaningful and deeply needed.”
The @CityofMiami‘s official Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM) proclamation was presented to CAM Local Government Engagement Manager Arthur Dubov today.
Thank you, @MiamiMayor @FrancisSuarez, for your partnership in safeguarding and celebrating Jewish life in Miami! pic.twitter.com/1z9kJ9rhrK
— Combat Antisemitism Movement (@CombatASemitism) May 13, 2025
Recognition of Jewish American Heritage Month was a core element of the Municipal Antisemitism Action Index, unveiled by CAM last December as a tool to measure and encourage meaningful local leadership in the fight against antisemitism.
CAM collaborates closely with mayors on a daily basis to secure and nurture Jewish life in cities throughout the U.S. and around the world. The 2025 North American Mayors Summit Against Antisemitism will be held on Dec. 2-4, in New Orleans, Louisiana.
At the state level this year, CAM facilitated a joint statement issued by all 28 Republican state governors, via the Republican Governors Association (RGA), supporting JAHM and expressing solidarity with Israel on its 77th Independence Day.
In New York, Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul also signed a state proclamation recognizing JAHM and reaffirming her administration’s commitment to combating antisemitism and honoring the contributions of Jewish Americans.
New York is the latest state to officially proclaim May as Jewish American Heritage Month, and CAM Chief Government Affairs Officer @LisaKatz1948 joined the ceremony in Manhattan.
Thank you, @GovKathyHochul, for your exemplary leadership in the fight against antisemitism! pic.twitter.com/PVxJgROPOF
— Combat Antisemitism Movement (@CombatASemitism) May 15, 2025
It was an honor for CAM to be represented at @GovLauraKelly‘s signing of measures codifying the IHRA definition into Kansas state law and proclaiming May as Jewish American Heritage Month.
These steps place Kansas at the forefront of the state-level fight against antisemitism! pic.twitter.com/jHLjnUBjlo
— Combat Antisemitism Movement (@CombatASemitism) May 16, 2025
In Richmond, Virginia, last week, CAM hosted a JAHM gala dinner, with Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin as the guest of honor.
It was an honor to mark Jewish American Heritage Month at the Executive Mansion and to join the @CombatASemitism Gala in Richmond.
We came together to celebrate more than 400 years of Jewish contributions to Virginia, and to send a clear message: antisemitism has no place in our… pic.twitter.com/Hw2KjKsrp5
— Glenn Youngkin (@GlennYoungkin) May 20, 2025
Also last week, CAM co-organized a JAHM Congressional Breakfast in Washington, D.C., where a bipartisan group of lawmakers gathered to mark JAHM and hear keynote remarks from Auburn Men’s Basketball Coach and Jewish American advocate Bruce Pearl.
“Antisemitism is rising, but the Jewish people are strong.”
It was an honor to have @coachbrucepearl as the keynote speaker at the 2025 Jewish American Heritage Month Congressional Breakfast, hosted by CAM and @jfederations, at the US Capitol today.https://t.co/ptiU7GLwlC
— Combat Antisemitism Movement (@CombatASemitism) May 21, 2025
In 2006, Congress passed a bipartisan resolution urging the President to annually proclaim May as Jewish American Heritage Month, and encouraging state and local governments, along with the American public, to observe the month.
Shortly thereafter, President George W. Bush issued the first official presidential proclamation recognizing JAHM. This tradition has been upheld by every U.S. president from both parties ever since.
Over the years, state, counties, and municipalities across the country have followed suit, issuing proclamations and hosting events highlighting the positive societal impact of Jewish Americans. In recent years, CAM has spearheaded a national initiative to expand this recognition, working closely with elected officials to encourage meaningful local observance of JAHM.
This growing momentum reflects a shared commitment — from the White House to City Halls around the country — to celebrate Jewish heritage, confront rising antisemitism, and reaffirm the fundamental values of justice that define America’s national identity.
