Jewish American Heritage Month and Combating Antisemitism in Palm Beach County
Jewish American Heritage Month and Combating Antisemitism in Palm Beach County
By Jeff Dawson
Associate Director, Jewish Community Relations Council
Published June 23, 2023
May was Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM), a time of reflection, celebration and acknowledgment of our significant contributions to this nation. It was in 2006 that then-President George W. Bush proclaimed the month to be Jewish American Heritage Month, following concerted efforts by the Jewish Museum of Florida and South Florida Jewish community leaders. Resolutions introduced by Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida and Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania were passed unanimously, recognizing the myriad ways Jewish culture has enriched our country.
Jewish heritage is woven into the fabric of Palm Beach County’s history. Jewish citizens first came to West Palm Beach in 1892 and since have played central roles in the political, economic and social development. They have served bravely in the armed forces and the Florida National Guard, cementing their commitment to the well-being and safety of our nation.
However, along with the joyful celebrations of our heritage comes the solemn acknowledgment of a growing menace of increasing antisemitism. With record-high antisemitic incidents in 2022, Florida is fourth in the country for these occurrences. Despite the fact that Jews represent only 3.1 percent of the state’s population, the most recent FBI data shows that Jews in Florida account for 80 percent of victims of religious hate crimes. This sad reality makes the fight against antisemitism more critical than ever.
In response to this growing threat, Palm Beach County Mayor Gregg Weiss and the Board of County Commissioners proclaimed May as Jewish American Heritage Month in Palm Beach County, standing shoulder to shoulder with us as we honor the legacy and continued contributions of Jewish Americans.
The Riviera Beach City Council, guided by the efforts of Councilwoman Dr. Julia Botel, echoed this sentiment by issuing a proclamation in recognition of Jewish American Heritage Month and adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism. We extend our gratitude to Palm Beach County and Riviera Beach, and to other municipalities in South Florida that have already adopted the IHRA definition.
These proclamations and the adoption of a clear definition of antisemitism are critical steps in the battle against hate. They are commendable examples for other communities, reflecting the commitment to protect Jewish Americans from discrimination, prejudice and violence.
As we reflect on Jewish American Heritage Month celebrations, let’s remember going forward that our shared history is rich, diverse and ongoing. Our commitment to combating antisemitism is unwavering. As we look back on the history of Jewish contributions to Palm Beach County and our nation, let’s look ahead to a future where every individual, Jewish or not, can live without fear under the banner of tolerance, acceptance and respect.
