May is Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM), which was established by President George W. Bush in 2006. It is an opportunity to recognize the culture and history of the American Jewish community and the significant contributions of Jewish Americans to American society. Here is a resolution from the Northwest Regional Education Service District in honor of JAHM.

When we look at the bedrock of American innovation, culture, and civil rights, the Jewish footprint is everywhere. You see it in the laboratories where life-saving vaccines were developed. You hear it in the music of Broadway and the golden age of Hollywood, industries practically developed by Jewish visionaries. You read it in history books about the Civil Rights movement, where Jewish Americans stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Black Americans, working towards the promise of equal protection under the law. You feel it in the business and academic worlds. In essence, this month, Jews are celebrating the American dream.

During JAHM, we are reminded that discrimination against Jewish people, or any group, undermines the core principles of justice, inclusion, and liberty that define America. In today’s complex social and political climate, JAHM takes on a heightened level of significance. With the documented rise in antisemitism globally and the intense polarization surrounding geopolitical challenges involving Israel, dedicating time to recognize and understand Jewish heritage is more crucial than ever. Here is why JAHM matters today:
 

• Education is an antidote to hate -- Historically and presently, antisemitism thrives on ignorance, conspiracy theories, and harmful stereotypes. JAHM serves as a powerful educational countermeasure. By highlighting the tangible, positive contributions Jewish Americans have made to our country in all fields, the month helps dismantle these unfounded prejudices.
   
• Separate American identity from global politics -- One of the major drivers of contemporary antisemitism is the conflation of Jewish people worldwide with the actions and policies of the State of Israel. Jewish Americans are incredibly diverse in their political beliefs, religious practices, and views on global events. JAHM centers the conversation on the American Jewish experience. (Later I will address a critical issue in Israel.)
   
• Celebrate resilience -- The Jewish historical narrative is frequently viewed through the lens of tragedy, persecution, and the Holocaust. While remembering these events is essential, we must emphasize the joy, accomplishments, and vibrant culture of the Jewish people.

JAHM highlights that Jews are a part of the American story. However, we are living through a moment where we must hold two starkly different realities in our hands at once. On one hand, the Jewish American story is inspiring. On the other, we are witnessing a resurgence of Jew hatred that we naively believed had been curtailed.

Earlier this week, a Jewish teacher in a local school notified the Jewish Federation about a dozen textbooks and dictionaries in their classroom containing offensive graffiti, including swastikas, Hitler’s name, and deeply troubling Holocaust-related imagery. Fortunately, the school principal responded immediately and forcefully acknowledging “the potential impact on our students, particularly those of Jewish faith and culture. This behavior is unacceptable and does not reflect who we are as a school community. We are committed to addressing it directly and thoughtfully.”

Jew hatred is not just in Portland.

Twelve days ago, two teenagers were arrested planning to attack Congregation Beth Israel in Houston. Their stated intent – “Kill as many Jews as possible.” And in Austin, a synagogue was recently defaced.

Wednesday morning, in the heavily Jewish Golders Green neighborhood of London, two Jewish men were stabbed and seriously injured by a man running down the street wanting to attack Jews.

The attack is the latest antisemitic hate crime in Europe. In just the past five weeks, London also saw Jewish ambulances set on fire outside a synagogue and a suspected arson attack at a synagogue. Belgium had a car torched in Antwerp and an explosion at a synagogue in Liege. Munich had vandalism at an Israeli restaurant. And there was an explosion at a Jewish school in Amsterdam.

Antisemitism is a global challenge that requires a coordinated, global response from law enforcement, elected officials, Jewish community leaders, and interfaith partners. As we approach the upcoming primaries and later elections, find those candidates committed to fighting antisemitism.

On the Israel front…

Two nights ago, representatives from the Jewish Community Relations Council and Steph Newton, Chair of the Jewish Democratic Caucus, attended the Democratic Party (DP) of Oregon’s Platform and Resolution Committee to oppose an anti-Israel resolution from the Linn County DP. The caucus and JCRC provided an alternative resolution. In the end, the committee decided against both draft resolutions, an outcome perfectly acceptable to the JCRC representatives, and referred back to their 2024 resolution as current policy. Though that resolution may not be ideal, it is far better than what was being proposed by Linn County. I am grateful for the efforts of the JCRC and the Jewish Democratic Caucus.

With our efforts to fight against anti-Israel resolutions in our local governments, we also recognize that there are concerns about what is taking place in Israel today.

The intensifying violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinian civilians in the West Bank must end. The Jewish Federation has spoken out about this many times. While the vast majority of settlers do not participate in or support this violence, these attacks -- and the Israeli government’s inadequate efforts to stop them -- are costing Palestinian lives, destroying property, and forcing families from their homes. We also understand how damaging this is to Israel’s international standing and hurts the prospects for long-term peace with the Palestinians.

The Jewish Federation, in lockstep with many religious and community leaders in Israel and the Diaspora, condemn this violence. Israel’s government and military have both the capacity and responsibility to make this stop and to prosecute those responsible.

I feel that we are at an inflection point. Let JAHM be a catalyst. Let us celebrate the beautiful legacy of Jewish Americans and ensure that this community continues to thrive, safely and proudly, for generations to come. At the same time, we must stand for our own values, whether in our own country or abroad. That is how we honor the heritage.

Shabbat shalom.