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In 2024, a total of 37 states and 172 cities have recognized May as Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM) and the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) is proud to have assisted in securing this widespread recognition across the United States. JAHM is an integral part of countering Antisemitism and by proclaiming it nationwide, the rich history of Jewish Americans is celebrated with a powerful message to residents that their safety, well-being, and contributions are valued.
JAHM was originally established by presidential proclamation in 2006 and recognized by successive presidents from both political parties as a time for state and municipal leaders to highlight the integral role Jewish people have played in the American story and inform the general public about Jewish culture and traditions. There are approximately eight million Jewish people from various racial and ethnic backgrounds living in the United States.
Thus far in 2024, Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming have issued proclamations, resolutions or gubernatorial statements recognizing JAHM. All 27 Republican governors came together for a joint statement, headed by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, and coordinated by the Republican Governors Association.
Several Democratic organizations and state officials have also shown their support for JAHM through proclamations and social media. The Democratic Attorney General’s Association and the Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association have shared social media posts recognizing the importance of this celebration. Additionally, the offices of several Democratic governors, including those in North Carolina, Kansas, Massachusetts, and Minnesota, have issued proclamations honoring Jewish American Heritage Month.
Additionally, CAM has worked closely with cities to secure proclamations and support for JAHM. Cities such as Las Vegas, NV, Beverly Hills, CA, Palm Beach, FL, Oklahoma City, OK, Sunnyvale, CA, Tarpon Springs, FL and West Hollywood, CA have played a crucial role in supporting and advocating for JAHM. On May 1st, Las Vegas adopted a proclamation officially recognizing May as JAHM, jumpstarting a nationwide movement encouraging other cities to follow suit. Notably, Beverly Hills not only proclaimed May as JAHM, but Mayor Lester Friedman also announced the city’s partnership with CAM to host the 2024 North American Mayors Summit Against Antisemitism in December during his inauguration.
Earlier this year, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley, in partnership with CAM, sent a letter to fellow city leaders in the U.S. Conference of Mayors urging them to initiate and participate in JAHM activities within their municipalities. Thus far, 172 Mayors have signed on to this letter.
“The story of the Jewish people is a part of the story of the United States. That is why one of CAM’s many initiatives has been to promote and educate cities and states about the importance of recognizing JAHM each year,” said CAM’s CEO Sacha Roytman-Dratwa. “We pride ourselves on fostering and cultivating alliances that transcend traditional divides. Our efforts in the United States are deliberately bipartisan because antisemitism is not a partisan issue and we are committed to securing as much support as we can with elected officials at all levels throughout the country.”
“We are proud to see so many elected leaders across our nation stand together to recognize the contributions of American Jews to the fabric of American society. Particularly in these times where we are seeing unacceptable antisemitism from a loud minority, it is encouraging to see these Mayors and Governors step forward with such important and positive statements.” Arthur Maserjian, CAM’s Chief of Staff.
While many more proclamations for JAHM are expected over the last few weeks of May, states and cities are urged to join in proclaiming May as Jewish American Heritage Month, especially this year, a year where antisemitic incidents have surged across the United States.
