Proclaiming May 2025 to be Jewish American Heritage Month.

Proclamation Whereas: Jewish American Heritage Month was established in 2006 recognizing the more than 350-year history of Jewish contributions to the United States; and Whereas: during Jewish American Heritage Month, we celebrate the immeasurable impact of Jewish values, contributions, and culture on the U.S. and Somerville's character; and Whereas: Jewish American suffragists, activists, and leaders marched for civil rights, women’s rights, voting rights, racial equality, and LGBTQ+ rights; and Whereas: Jewish Americans are an integral part of our Commonwealth and our City, making up an indispensable part of our City’s workforce, business owners, teachers, policy makers, coaches, medical workers, and more; and Whereas: we must acknowledge the disturbing global rise in antisemitism, including here in Somerville, and that our nation has seen an increase in violence and dangerous rhetoric directed against the Jewish community; and Whereas: the City of Somerville stands against all forms of hate including antisemitism and is committed to standing with Jewish American residents of Somerville and the Commonwealth; and Now therefore be it known to all those present that the Mayor of the City of Somerville respectfully proclaims May 2025 as Jewish American Heritage Month, honors the contributions of Jewish Americans, and is committed to standing up with our Jewish residents to denounce all forms of antisemitism and hate. Proclaimed on this 22nd day of May by Katjana Ballantyne Mayor