In a declaration marking the start of Jewish American Heritage Month, President Joseph R. Biden Jr. has highlighted the enduring fortitude and significant contributions of Jewish Americans to the nation's history and identity. The President emphasized their role in anchoring some of America's key principles such as religious freedom and civil rights, as well as their achievements across various domains, from science and engineering to public service and the arts.

The President's proclamation, as per the White House website, draws a timeline of Jewish American history that starts with the arrival of 23 Jewish refugees in 1654 and extends to their current contributions in all walks of American life. Biden cited Emma Lazarus' famed words inscribed on the Statue of Liberty as a testament to the open promise of America to those seeking refuge and freedom—a nod to the Jewish American influence on the nation's values and ethos.

This month's celebration is shadowed by the recent horrors faced by Jewish communities globally, particularly the devastating Hamas terrorist attack in Israel, resulting in what Biden called "the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust," as detailed by The White House. Acknowledging the surge of antisemitism in the United States, Biden reaffirmed his administration's commitment to Jewish safety and well-being, both domestically and in support of Israel's security.

The President also underscored his administration's actions in combatting antisemitism, from the release of the United States National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism to legal and security measures to protect Jewish Americans. In his proclamation, Biden said, "It is our shared moral responsibility to forcefully stand up to antisemitism and to make clear that hate can have no safe harbor in America." He celebrated the resilience of Jewish Americans, stating that they have "never given up on the promise of our Nation" and continue to contribute towards its betterment as stated by The White House.