BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
Three hundred and fifty-eight years ago, a band of 23
Jewish refugees fled Recife, Brazil, beset by bigotry and oppression. For them,
receding shores marked the end of another chapter of persecution for a people
that had been tested from the moment they came together and professed their
faith. Yet, they also marked a new beginning. When those men, women, and
children landed in New Amsterdam - what later became New York City - they found
not only safe haven, but early threads of a tradition of freedom and
opportunity that would forever bind their story to the American story.
Those 23 believers led the way for millions to follow.
During the next three centuries, Jews around the world set out to build new
lives in America -- a land where prosperity was possible, where parents could
give their children more than they had, where families would no longer fear the
specter of violence or exile, but live their faith openly and honestly. Even
here, Jewish Americans bore the pains of hardship and hostility; yet, through
every obstacle, generations carried with them the deep conviction that a better
future was within their reach. In adversity and in success, they turned to one
another, renewing the tradition of community, moral purpose, and shared
struggle so integral to their identity.
Their history of unbroken perseverance and their belief in
tomorrow's promise offers a lesson not only to Jewish Americans, but to all
Americans. Generations of Jewish Americans have brought to bear some of our
country's greatest achievements and forever enriched our national life. As a
product of heritage and faith, they have helped open our eyes to injustice, to
people in need, and to the simple idea that we might recognize ourselves in the
struggles of our fellow men and women. These principles led Jewish advocates to
fight for women's equality and workers' rights, and to preach against racism
from the bimah; they inspired many to lead congregants on marches to stop
segregation, help forge unbreakable bonds with the State of Israel, and uphold
the ideal of "tikkun olam" -- our obligation to repair the world.
Jewish Americans have served heroically in battle and inspired us to pursue
peace, and today, they stand as leaders in communities across our Nation.
More than 300 years after those refugees first set foot in
New Amsterdam, we celebrate the enduring legacy of Jewish Americans -- of the
millions who crossed the Atlantic to seek out a better life, of their children
and grandchildren, and of all whose belief and dedication inspires them to
achieve what their forebears could only imagine. Our country is stronger for
their contributions, and this month, we commemorate the myriad ways they have
enriched the American experience.
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 2012 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
second day of May, in the year two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of
the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.
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