To: Board of Supervisors
From: Candace Andersen, District II Supervisor
Report Title: Recognize May, 2024 as Jewish American Heritage Month
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
On April 20, 2006, the Federal Government proclaimed May as Jewish American Heritage Month
FISCAL IMPACT:
No fiscal impact
BACKGROUND:
Recognize May, 2024 as Jewish American Heritage Month
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
None
The Board of Supervisors of Contra Costa County, California
IN THE MATTER OF: Proclaiming May, 2024 as Jewish American Heritage Month
WHEREAS, Jewish Americans have been an important part of the American story and have greatly contributed to all areas of American life and culture since our nation’s earliest days; and
WHEREAS, on April 20, 2006, the Federal Government proclaimed May as Jewish American Heritage Month, stating, “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,” and, since then, proclamations in support of Jewish American Heritage Month have been made by Presidents of the United States annually; and
WHEREAS, generations of Jews have fled to the United States in search of a better life for themselves and their families, and these immigrants made invaluable contributions in support of equality and civil rights through their leadership and achievements; and
WHEREAS, Jewish Americans connect to their Jewish identity in a variety of ways, such as culturally, ethnically, religiously and by following Jewish ethics and values; and
WHEREAS Jewish Americans are racially, ethnically, socially, politically and economically diverse, and around 25 percent of Bay Area Jewish households include a person of color, increasing to nearly 40 percent of households if the head of the household is younger than 35; and
WHEREAS, at the start of 2023, antisemitism was already at an all-time high, including but not limited to physical attacks, vandalism, verbal and physical harassment, and hateful comments posted on social media; and
WHEREAS, antisemitism rose exponentially this past year, with a reported 360% increase in antisemitic incidents in the U.S. during the three months following October 7, 2023, from the same period of time in 2022 according to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL); and
WHEREAS, implicit bias and antisemitic attitudes are widespread today, with 63% of Jews surveyed in the Bay Area in 2023 agreed that people make assumptions about them because they are Jewish, and the ADL found 24% of Americans surveyed endorsed six or more anti-Jewish tropes in 2024; and
WHEREAS, Contra Costa County shares an obligation to condemn and combat antisemitism wherever it exists, to include Jewish Americans in all facets of civic life, and to stand with the Jewish American community against hatred or bigotry in our city and country; and
WHEREAS, there is a need for education and policies that are culturally competent when describing, discussing, or addressing the impacts of being Jewish in all aspects of American society, including discourse and policy; and
WHEREAS we celebrate the rich and diverse heritage of the Jewish American community, including those who live, work and play in Contra Costa County, and;
WHEREAS, we recognize Jewish American commitment to civic engagement and how Contra Costa County has been enriched by local Jewish institutions and synagogues.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Contra Costa County hereby declares the month of May as Jewish American Heritage Month in appreciation of the achievements and contributions made by members of the Jewish community. Contra Costa County calls upon all residents to celebrate Jewish Americans who have woven the fabric of our country and community and supports opportunities to learn more about Jewish American history and culture.
THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Contra Costa County will continue efforts to confront antisemitism and other forms of hate impacting the Jewish community, support local education about the diversity of our Jewish American community, and integrate Jewish American culture into future programs, activities, and ceremonies throughout the year.