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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RECOGNIZING MAY 2025 AS JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
WHEREAS, Jewish American Heritage Month was first recognized on April 20, 2006,and is an annual celebration of the history and contributions of Jewish Americans, providing an opportunity to recognize the enduring legacy of Jewish culture and faith in the United States, and to reflect on the accomplishments and contributions of Jewish Americans and promotes understanding, acceptance, and respect for all cultures and religions; and
WHEREAS, Jewish American Heritage Month presents ample opportunity to celebrate through education, reflection, and the promotion of cultural understanding, in recognition of the profound and lasting contributions of Jewish Americans to Cook County and the nation; and
WHEREAS, Jewish Americans such as Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel and Jack Greenberg were prominent figures in the Civil Rights movement, marching alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and fostered a commitment to social justice; and
WHEREAS, Jewish Americans have contributed to the development of various sectors of American society, including the arts, business, government, education, social justice, and public service; and
WHEREAS, notable thought leaders include renowned theoretical physicist Albert Einstein, feminist activist Gloria Steinem, comic book author Stan Lee, singer-songwriter Bob Dylan, and Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg; and
WHEREAS, an estimated 2.4% of the American population, or 7.5 million adults and children, identify as Jewish; and
WHEREAS, Brandeis University estimates Cook County to be home to 319,000 Jewish individuals; and
WHEREAS, the Jewish American community faced 1,989 incidents of discrimination and persecution in 2023 as reported to the FBI, a total that is likely far less than the number experience as so many hate crimes go unreported; and
WHEREAS, Jewish American community continue to espouse the core tenant of Tikkun Olam, the practice of working for justice and equality and actively working to repair and improve the world; and
WHEREAS, to combat all injustice, including antisemitism, the Cook County United Against Hate initiative inspires individual and organizations to publicly denounce hate, create welcoming spaces, support community learning, and take action to disrupt hate; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Cook County Board of Commissioners does hereby commemorate and celebrate the month of May 2025 as Jewish American Heritage Month; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this text be spread upon this Honorable Body, and a suitable copy of the same be tendered to the Jewish American organizations in Cook County as a means of conveying our thanks and congratulations.
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