HR 6 (LSB 1067YH (5) 90)

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 6

BY  WILLS, NORDMAN, P. THOMPSON, YOUNG, SORENSEN, RINKER, DUNWELL, GOLDING, GEHLBACH, HAYES, STOLTENBERG, M. THOMPSON, SHERMAN, ANDREWS, HORA, FISHER, MOORE, HENDERSON, GUSTOFF, and LUNDGREN

A Resolution designating May 2023 as Jewish American Heritage Month.

   WHEREAS, in 1654, a small ship carrying 23 Jewish refugees sailed into the present-day Port of New York and New Jersey and became the first Jewish communal presence to settle on American soil; and
   WHEREAS, the Jewish refugees expanded the frontier of religious freedoms that would help define the bedrock principles of justice, equality, and freedom upon which the United States of America was built; and
   WHEREAS, many Jewish American survivors of the Holocaust have dedicated their lives to fighting for civil rights and educating future generations about the dangers of bigotry and antisemitism and the resilience of the human spirit; and
   WHEREAS, the Jewish experience in America has consistently reminded us that liberty and opportunity ultimately triumph over prejudice and hate; and
   WHEREAS, since 2006, Jewish American Heritage Month is traditionally observed nationwide in May of each year; and
   WHEREAS, the United States is currently experiencing a rise in antisemitism, and according to the American Jewish Committee, one in four Jewish Americans has experienced antisemitism this past year; and
   WHEREAS, the Anti-Defamation League reports that in 2021, antisemitic incidents reached an all-time high across the United States with a total of 2,717 incidents of assault, harassment, and vandalism; and
   WHEREAS, Jewish American Heritage Month acknowledges the achievements of Jewish Americans in the military, the arts, civil rights, education, entertainment, history, law, literature, medicine, music, politics, science, sports, and other areas; and
   WHEREAS, Jewish American Heritage Month is a time to reflect on the unique and important role of Jewish Americans and to redouble efforts to combat antisemitism; and
   WHEREAS, in May, we honor the timeless traditions, heritage, and contributions of Jewish Americans that drive our progress as a nation each and every day; NOW THEREFORE,

   BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, That the House of Representatives designates the month of May 2023 as Jewish American Heritage Month and invites the citizens of Iowa to learn more about the heritage and contributions of Jewish Americans and to observe this month with appropriate programs, activities, and ceremonies.