Senate Resolution No. 2143

BY: Senator SUTTON

RECOGNIZING May 2026, as Jewish American Heritage
Month in the State of New York

WHEREAS, The month of May has been proclaimed as Jewish American
Heritage Month since 2006, and each year people across the Nation
recognize and celebrate Jewish achievements and contributions to the
United States; and

WHEREAS, For thousands of years, the Jewish people have proudly
sustained their identity and traditions while persevering in the face of
religious persecution, enslavement, expulsion, and the horrors of the
Holocaust; and

WHEREAS, In search of religious tolerance and freedom from
persecution, North America's first Jewish community was established in
1654; and

WHEREAS, Those first Jewish immigrants, fleeing the horrors of the
Inquisition, were met with opposition by then Director-general of New
Amsterdam, Peter Stuyvesant, who sought to expel them simply for being
Jewish; and

WHEREAS, Despite that initial resistance, Jews have greatly
contributed to the culture and history of New York while strengthening
the fabric of society; and

WHEREAS, As educators, journalists, scientists, physicians, lawyers,
artists, and humanitarians, Jewish Americans have made vital
contributions to the development of our communities, academic
institutions, civic organizations, and businesses; and

WHEREAS, Jewish Americans have continued their strong support for
ending discrimination in voting, employment, public accommodation, and
in society at large, by prominently participating in virtually every
civil rights effort in the American experience; and

WHEREAS, This enduring commitment to civil rights is exemplified by
Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel and his collaboration with Dr. Martin
Luther King, who marched alongside each other from Selma to Montgomery
in 1965; and

WHEREAS, Jewish American Heritage Month is an opportunity to
remember and thank the many Jewish Americans who defend this nation's
ideals as members of the United States Armed Forces; and

WHEREAS, Jewish American Heritage Month is also a time to honor the
enduring connection between Jewish Americans and the land of Israel; a
connection sustained through millennia of diaspora with prayer and
tradition; and

WHEREAS, Jewish Americans today face a new wave of opposition as
they first did upon their arrival to North America, yet they continue to
persevere in the face of those threats; and


WHEREAS, In light of an often reemerging scourge of antisemitism in
America, expressed openly and violently, it is crucial that the history,
heritage, and culture of Jewish Americans be fully known, understood,
and valued; and

WHEREAS, New York City Police Department data showed that
anti-Jewish hate crimes increased by 182 percent in January 2026,
compared to January 2025; and

WHEREAS, In response to this rise in antisemitism in New York and
across America, we must unequivocally and unapologetically condemn this
hatred in all its forms; and

WHEREAS, In order to properly recognize the diverse contributions
and achievements of Jewish Americans as well as to preserve and protect
their history and culture for generations to come, it is altogether
proper and fitting that we take this opportunity to continue learning
from Jewish heritage; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
recognize May 2026, as Jewish American Heritage Month in the State of
New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.