US President Barack Obama hosted Tuesday a White House reception in honor of Jewish American Heritage Month.
The annual event in the East Room of the White House, highlights and celebrates the history and unique identity of Jewish Americans and their profound and ennobling contributions to the American story.
“This month is a chance for Americans of every faith to appreciate the contributions of the Jewish people throughout our history –- often in the face of unspeakable discrimination and adversity,” Obama told invitees including Jewish community leaders from across the country, rabbis, members of Congress, Supreme Court Justices and a broad range of leaders engaged in business, the arts, education, and public and community service.
He added: “For hundreds of years, Jewish Americans have fought heroically in battle and inspired us to pursue peace. They’ve built our cities, cured our sick. They’ve paved the way in the sciences and the law, in our politics and in the arts. They remain our leaders, our teachers, our neighbors and our friends.”
“Seeking a brighter future, a small band of Jewish refugees came to this land more than three centuries ago, to a place called New Amsterdam.From those first days in New Amsterdam, Jewish Americans have dedicated their innovation, creativity, and hearts to the greater good, contributing scientific accomplishments, pioneering works of literature and musical genius, and performing distinguished service in our Nation's military.”
“The Jewish people have always persevered. And that’s why today is about celebrating the people in this room, the thousands who came before, the generations who will shape the future of our country and the future of the world,” the president added.
Since taking office, Obama has continued the tradition started under the previous Administration of proclaiming May Jewish American Heritage Month.
“We need to continue to work to spread the word and to promote tolerance and understanding” through educational and cultural programming, said Democratic Representative from Florida Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, one of about 300 guests at the White House reception.
During 2005’s national celebration of 350 years of Jewish history in America, Wasserman-Schultz and Senator Arlen Spector of Pennsylvania (then a Republican) introduced legislation to proclaim Jewish American Heritage Month. President George W. Bush signed the first proclamation in 2006.