A house RESOLUTION

TO DECLARE MAY 2023 AS JEWISH AMERICAN Heritage MONTH AND TO ENCOURAGE ALL SOUTH CAROLINIANS TO JOIN IN THANKING OUR FELLOW JEWISH AMERICAN CITIZENS FOR SHAPING OUR COUNTRY'S CHARACTER, STRENGTHENING OUR PROMISE OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOM, AND TEACHING US THE VIRTUES OF JUSTICE, HOPE, AND PERSEVERANCE.

Whereas, since 2006, Jewish American Heritage Month has been observed nationwide every May to recognize the over 360-year history of Jewish contributions to our nation's civic, social, economic, and cultural life; and

Whereas, Jewish Americans played an integral role in supporting American independence and the religious freedom guaranteed in the establishment of the new nation. Jewish Americans and Jewish immigrants to America have contributed to every aspect of American culture and history, including education, science, business, philanthropy, politics, civil rights, and the arts; and

Whereas, it is estimated that more than 330,000 persecuted Jews from Germany, Russia, Poland, and several other countries overcame restrictions and immigration quotas to find refuge in the United States between 1933 and 1952; 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 anti-Semitism, as well as about the resilience of the human spirit; and

Whereas, in light of continuing and reemerging anti-Semitism in America, expressed openly and violently, it is crucial that the history, heritage, and culture of Jewish Americans be fully known, understood, and valued; and

Whereas, the Jewish tenet tikkun olam, translated from the Hebrew as "repair of the world," is a call to Jews to pursue justice and righteousness for all of humanity; and

Whereas, the Jewish experience in America has consistently reminded us that liberty and opportunity ultimately triumph over prejudice and hate. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, declare May 2023 as Jewish American Heritage Month and encourage all South Carolinians to join in thanking our fellow Jewish American citizens for shaping our country's character, strengthening our promise of religious freedom, and teaching us the virtues of justice, hope, and perseverance.

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