Board Resolution Proclaims May 2026 as Jewish American Heritage Month

San Diego County Board of Education proclaims May 2026 as Jewish American Heritage Month. Resolution No. 2026-17 reads:

WHEREAS, as of 2026, the United States is home to one of the world’s largest Jewish communities, with millions of Jewish Americans contributing to the nation’s cultural, civic, and intellectual life; and

WHEREAS, San Diego County is home to more than 134,100 Jewish people, about 3% of the county’s population, who reflect a wide range of identities, traditions, and lived experiences; and

WHEREAS, in May of each year, people across the United States recognize Jewish American Heritage Month and celebrate more than 350 years of Jewish life, leadership, and contributions to the United States; and

WHEREAS, understanding the diverse histories, cultures, and experiences of Jewish people in the United States is essential to fully celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month; and

WHEREAS Jews first arrived in North America in 1654, seeking refuge from persecution in Brazil. Those 23 adults and children formed the foundation of an American Jewish community that has grown to 6 million, representing about 2.4 percent of the American population; and

WHEREAS, in 1850, a German immigrant, Louis Rose, became San Diego’s first known Jewish settler; and in 1861, the region’s first Jewish congregation was founded – now recognized as the oldest in Southern California; and

WHEREAS the Jewish identity encompasses a rich intersection of ethnicities, nationalities, and races and Jewish Americans practice a wide range of religious, cultural and secular traditions; and

WHEREAS, Jewish Americans have played vital roles in shaping the United States, serving in the armed forces, advancing civil rights, advocating for women’s suffrage, strengthening democratic institutions, and contributing to every sector of society; and

WHEREAS, Jewish Americans have served in government and the military -- more than 500,000 Jewish Americans served in World War II, led universities and corporations, advanced scientific and medical breakthroughs, created enduring works of art and literature, and served on the Supreme Court; and

WHEREAS, Jewish communities have faced discrimination, exclusion, and violence throughout American history, and in recent years have experienced rising antisemitism, harassment, and hate-motived incidents; and

WHEREAS, advancing belonging includes acknowledging these harms, supporting the safety and dignity of the Jewish people, and standing firmly against antisemitism and all forms of religious or ethnic discrimination; and

WHEREAS, Jewish Americans have strengthened our communities – educating young people, caring for the sick, contributing to scientific discovery, building civic institutions, and inspiring movements for justice and peace.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the San Diego County Board of Education does hereby proclaim May 2026 as Jewish American Heritage Month and we encourage all citizens to celebrate the diverse heritage and culture of Jewish Americans and to continue working towards a more inclusive and equitable society for all.