Jewish American Heritage Month

By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

Jewish American Heritage Month

WHEREAS, May 2026 marks the 20th anniversary of Jewish American Heritage Month, which provides a meaningful opportunity to reflect on two decades of national recognition of the contributions of Jewish Americans to the United States of America and the Commonwealth of Virginia; and

WHEREAS, the history of Jewish Americans is deeply interwoven with the history of the Commonwealth, with Virginia serving as the site of one of the nation's oldest synagogues, Beth Ahabah; and 

WHEREAS, Jewish Americans and Jewish immigrants to the United States have made enduring, wide-ranging contributions to the nation's culture and history, enriching its development across education, science, business, philanthropy, politics, civil rights, and the arts; and

WHEREAS, Jewish American Heritage Month provides an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the vitality and significance of Virginia's Jewish American community, whose achievements and contributions continue to strengthen and advance the Commonwealth's cultural, economic, and civic life; and 

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia remains steadfastly committed to combating anti-Semitism and fostering an environment characterized by inclusivity, tolerance, and mutual respect; and 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, Governor, do hereby recognize May 2026, as JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.