The Kansas state legislature passed a resolution on March 29 to declare May officially Jewish American Heritage Month—a designation that then-President George W. Bush proclaimed nationally in 2006.
In part, the Kansas resolution notes that biblical and contemporary Jewish history and Judaism’s “enduring values” were vital inspiration for the nation’s founding; that Jews underwent a “miraculous return” to the “Jewish homeland”; that Jews helped define U.S. character and values; and that Israel “has emerged as a beacon of freedom, prosperity and world leader in technology, agriculture, water conservation and medicine.”
“Kansas is made stronger by our Jewish residents and their many contributions,” said Laura Kelly, the state’s governor. “Discrimination of any kind, including antisemitism, has no place in Kansas, and as governor, I will continue working to unite Kansans and to celebrate the diversity of our state and our communities.”
The Jewish Community Relations Bureau/American Jewish Committee of Kansas City, the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City and the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) held a ceremony in the Kansas State Capitol to mark the occasion.
“Kansas has done what we hope every state will do in rightfully acknowledging Jewish American Heritage Month every May,” said Elan Carr, a member of CAM’s advisory board and former U.S. special envoy.
“In a world where senseless violence and hatred toward Jews seems to abound, it’s vital that every American in every neighborhood throughout the country understand the remarkable blessings that Jewish citizens have bestowed on this land they call home,” he added.
