HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRO-2026-023-Jewish American Heritage Month Proclamation VRb 'o'� b �lb 0oq3i s
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS , Jewish American Heritage Month is celebrated annually in May to honor the generations of Jewish
Americans who have contributed to the history and culture of our nation , from its very origin 250 years ago ; and
WHEREAS , Jewish Americans have made significant contributions to North Carolina 's economic development
entrepreneurship , business leadership and innovation , playing a key role in building a thriving local economy ; and
WHEREAS , the Jewish community has played a lead role in North Carolina ' s arts and culture , supporting
institutions , artists and events that celebrate creativity and foster cross-cultural appreciation ; and
WHEREAS , Jewish Americans have shaped both K- 12 and higher education in North Carolina by advocating for
high -quality education for all , establishing schools and scholarships , serving as educators and mentors who inspire
the next generation ; and
WHEREAS , Jewish Americans have honorably served in the United States military, demonstrating courage ,
patriotism and a commitment to protecting the constitutional rights and freedoms we hold dear, and in government
dedicating themselves to helping others ; and
WHEREAS , Jewish physicians , researchers , and health care professionals have made critical contributions to
medicine , health care , and science in North Carolina , while improving lives and advancing the well - being of the
entire community ; and
WHEREAS , the Jewish community in North Carolina has established cultural institutions , synagogues , and
organizations that have enriched the state ' s religious , social and cultural fabric while educating and serving the
public , fostering dialogue and mutual understanding among groups and promoting a welcoming and inclusive
community for all residents ; and
WHEREAS , the frequency of antisemitic incidents targeting Jews and those who are perceived as Jewish in the
United States has reached record highs ; and
WHEREAS , according to the American Jewish Committee , 91 percent of American Jews say they feel less safe as
a Jewish person in the United States due to violent attacks against American Jews in the past year; and
WHEREAS , according to the Jewish Federations of North America , 50 percent of Jewish institutions with a physical
presence , such as synagogues , community centers , and day schools , lack the resources to adequately protect
themselves against these rising threats ; and
WHEREAS , recognizing and celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month reaffirms our state's commitment to
combatting prejudice , standing strong against antisemitism and promoting unity among all North Carolina ' s
residents ;
NOW, THEREFORE , we , the Board of County Commissioners of Orange County , North Carolina , do hereby
proclaim the month of May 2026 , as JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH and encourage our residents ,
community organizations , schools , and institutions to participate in programs and activities that honor Jewish
American contributions to our history and present , celebrate their achievements , and inspire future generations of
Jewish Americans .
THIS THE 5t" DAY OF MAY, 2026.
4V4�r� ,�--_--
an Hamilton , Chair
t Orange County Board of Commissioners
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