Jewish Community Relations Councilof San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin, Sonoma, Alameda and Contra Costa Counties

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May is Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM) – a time to commemorate the more than 350-year history of Jewish contributions to American society. This year, JCRC called on cities, counties, and school districts across the Bay Area to recognize and celebrate the month with us. We believe education about Jewish identity and the contributions of Jewish Americans is a critical antidote to the rampant antisemitism the Jewish community is experiencing today.

Here is a list of the cities, counties, and school districts that have, so far, committed to issuing a proclamation or resolution for 2022 (updated 4/18/22):

Counties                       Cities                        School Districts             
  • Alameda
  • Contra Costa
  • Marin
  • San Francisco
  • San Mateo
  • Santa Clara
  • Sonoma
  • Albany
  • Belmont
  • Berkeley
  • Foster City
  • El Cerrito
  • Freemont
  • Healdsburg
  • Hillsborough
  • Livermore
  • Menlo Park
  • Mountain View
  • Napa
  • Pleasanton
  • Redwood City
  • San Bruno
  • San Carlos
  • San Mateo
  • San Rafael
  • Tiburon
  • Walnut Creek

Sample Resolution for City Councils
  • Berkeley Unified School District
  • Cabrillo Unified School District
  • Mt. Diablo Unified School District
  • Pittsburg Unified School District
  • Petaluma City Schools/Petaluma Joint Union High School District
  • San Bruno Park School District
  • San Rafael School District

EXAMPLE RESOLUTIONS FROM PRIOR YEARS

CITY/STATE/FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

INFORMATION AND RESOURCES

From the Jewish American Archives:

“The dream for a national month to celebrate Jewish contributions to American history followed on the highly successful celebration of the 350th Anniversary of American Jewish History in 2004-05. Impressed by the depth and breadth of the 350th celebration, U.S. Representatives Deborah Wasserman Schultz (D, FL) and Henry Hyde (R-IL) introduced a resolution to the United States House of Representatives calling for creation of Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM). This resolution won strong support in both chambers of Congress and President George W. Bush issued a Proclamation on April 20, 2006 calling on the nation to commemorate JAHM in May.”

From the proclamation:

“When the first Jewish settlers carne to this land, they sought a place of promise where they could practice their faith in freedom and live in liberty. During Jewish American Heritage Month, we celebrate the rich history of the Jewish people in America and honor the great contributions they have made to our country.

"As a nation of immigrants, the United States is better and stronger because Jewish people from all over the world have chosen to become American citizens. Since arriving in 1654, Jewish Americans have achieved great success, strengthened our country, and helped shape our way of life. Through their deep commitment to faith, family, and community, Jewish Americans remind us of a basic belief that guided the founding of this Nation: that there is an Almighty who watches over the affairs of men and values every life. The Jewish people have enriched our culture and contributed to a more compassionate and hopeful America.

"Jewish American Heritage Month is also an opportunity to remember and thank the many Jewish Americans who defend our ideals as members of the United States Armed Forces. These courageous men and women risk their lives to protect their fellow citizens and to advance the cause of freedom. By helping to bring the promise of liberty to millions around the world, they lay the foundation of peace for generations to come.”

RESOURCES

READING LISTS

TAKE ACTION AND SPEAK OUT

Join our #HereIAm Initiaive!