PROCLAMATION from Fred Camillo, First Selectman
WHEREAS, The United States has many heritage months that celebrate the various communities that form the mosaic of our country. By celebrating heritage months, we learn about one another, we honor the richness of our diverse nation, and we strengthen the fabric of American society; and
WHEREAS, Since 2006, every President of the United States has proclaimed the month of May to be Jewish American Heritage Month, and since 1980, every Congress has authorized a period of time each year for the celebration of Jewish culture, history, and contributions to the United States; and
WHEREAS, The American Jewish community dates back to 1654 when a group of 23 Jews fleeing persecution at the hands of the Portuguese Inquisition found refuge in New Amsterdam (now New York). From that tiny group, the American Jewish community has grown to over six million, representing approximately 2% of the American population today; and
WHEREAS, Jewish Americans have been an integral part of the history of Greenwich, Connecticut since 1899, and have contributed significantly to the cultural, political and economic vitality of Greenwich; and
WHEREAS, Antisemitism has been rising at an alarming rate in our country, and many of our cities have experienced an increase in antisemitic incidents. According to a survey released by American Jewish Committee (AJC), four in ten of American Jews polled feel their status is less secure than it was a year ago; and
WHEREAS, The strength of a society can be measured by how they protect their minority populations, and celebrate their contributions, it is altogether fitting for us to mark May as Jewish American Heritage Month.
NOW, THEREFORE, l, FRED CAMILLO, FIRST SELECTMAN OF THE TOWN OF GREENWICH, do
hereby proclaim May 2023 as
Jewish American Heritage Month
in the Town of Greenwich and urge all residents to fight back against antisemitism and all forms of bigotry and to learn more about the heritage and contributions of Jewish Americans.