Jewish American Heritage Month originated in 1980 when President Carter issued the first proclamation that would designate a week in April or May as Jewish Heritage Week. Congress continued to pass annual public laws proclaiming one week each year be dedicated to the observance of Jewish Americans’ contributions to the history and culture of the United States. It wasn’t until 2006, however, that President Bush designated the entire month of May as Jewish American Heritage Month.

Each year, Jewish American Heritage Month is an opportunity for celebration and education about the history, resilience, determination and achievement of Jewish Americans.

While many Jewish Americans have flourished in the United States, they have also faced unbelievable prejudice and discrimination both here and around the world, known as anti-Semitism. Perhaps the most extreme manifestation of anti-Semitism was the Holocaust. Led by Adolf Hitler, the Nazi Party committed a genocide of European Jews during World War II, killing nearly six million in an effort to exterminate those deemed “undesirable and inferior”.

Jewish Americans have long been the victims of anti-Semitic hatred for no other reason than their religious beliefs and non-Jews fearing what they do not know. One of the single most important things we can do to combat anti-Semitism and racism is to learn. To learn about our Jewish colleagues, friends, and neighbors. To seek understanding and become allies to protect the beauty of our differences.

A dear friend of Horizons has offered us a look into her personal experience of being Jewish in Iowa. Janice Binder has shared not only examples of anti-Semitism that she and her family members have faced, but she has also offered helpful strategies of how to respectfully interact with our Jewish friends.

Please see her contribution below.